Cortisol production rates measured by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Steroids; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-128X(90)90103-I· OSTI ID:6749558

Esteban, N V; Yergey, A L ^[1]

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1. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD (USA)

Cortisol production rates (FPRs) in physiologic and pathologic states in humans have been investigated over the past 30 years. However, there has been conflicting evidence concerning the validity of the currently accepted value of FPRs in humans (12 to 15 mg/m2/d) as determined by radiotracer methodology. The present study reviews previous methods proposed for the measurement of FPRs in humans and discusses the applications of the first method for the direct determination of 24-hour plasma FPRs during continuous administration of a stable isotope, using a thermospray high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. The technique is fast, sensitive, and, unlike gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods, does not require derivatization, allowing on-line detection and quantification of plasma cortisol after a simple extraction procedure. The results of determination of plasma FPRs by stable tracer/mass spectrometry are directly in units of mass/time and, unlike radiotracer methods, are independent of any determination of volume of distribution or cortisol concentration. Our methodology offers distinct advantages over radiotracer techniques in simplicity and reliability since only single measurements of isotope ratios are required. The technique was validated in adrenalectomized patients. Circadian variations in daily FRPs were observed in normal volunteers, and, to date, results suggest a lower FRP in normal children and adults than previously believed. 88 references.

• OSTI ID: 6749558
• Journal Information: Steroids; (USA), Vol. 55:4; ISSN 0039-128X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
HYDROCORTISONE
BIOSYNTHESIS
ISOTOPE DILUTION
LIQUID COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY
MAN
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
REVIEWS
ADRENAL HORMONES
ANIMALS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
CORTICOSTEROIDS
DOCUMENT TYPES
GLUCOCORTICOIDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
KETONES
MAMMALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PREGNANES
PRIMATES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPECTROSCOPY
STEROIDS
SYNTHESIS
TRACER TECHNIQUES
VERTEBRATES
550201* - Biochemistry- Tracer Techniques