Corticosteroid hormones function in different mechanisms like growth, reproduction, immunity,ion homeostasis ans stress responses. These hormones,enter the nucleus of the target cells to act on the expression metabolism regulating proteins, to mediate their functions. Cortisol and Corticosterone are the glucocorticoid hormones that are involved in stress and glucose metabolism. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid (75-95%) 0f the plasma glucocorticoids. Therefore, it is related to skin diseases, allergic disorders, respiratory system diseases, inflamatory disorders and nephrotic syndrome. Cortisol levels are regulated by adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland in response to CRH (Corticotropin releasing hormone) from the hypotalamus, where the secretion is in a cyclic fashion with diurnal peaks. 11 Deoxycortisol (Compound S), is the precursor of cortisol. When ACTH levels increase or in beta-hydroxylase deficiency (the enzyme converting 11 deoxycortisol to cortisol), cortisol levels will be low, resulting with pituitary ACTH increase followed by increase in serum and urine 11-Deoxycortisol levels.
Interpretation: 11 Deoxycortisol is used to investigate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) which is due to congenital 11 hydroxylase deficiency. 11-Deoxycortisol levels will be high, if there is CAH due to possible 11- beta hydroxylase deficiency. Methyrapone test is a pharmacological blockage of beta hydroxylase where 11 Deoxycortisol also rise due to pituitary-hypotalamic axis stimulation (Primary adrenal failure or Secondary adrenal insufficiency).
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Tuesday
Result Time: Friday 18:00
