1. Effect of Administration of ACTH and Cortisone upon Blood Glutathione Levels
- Author
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Hess, W. C., Kyle, L. H., and Doolan, P. D.
- Abstract
Blood glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (GSH plus GSSG) were determined in eleven patients during ACTH therapy and in eleven patients during the administration of cortisone. GSH values were significantly decreased from a pretreatment average of 36.6 mg per 100 cc to 26.9 mg by ACTH while cortisone produced a decrease from an average pretreatment value of 35.0 mg per 100 cc to 29.1 mg. The latter decrease, statistically, is of a low order of significance. The total glutathione values showed no changes following the administration of either ACTH or cortisone. During treatment with ACTH the greatest decrease in blood GSH occurred in the patients showing the greatest increase in blood sugar. There is suggestive evidence that although patients with normal glucose tolerance may show diabetic patterns during treatment, those who demonstrate mildly diabetic patterns prior to therapy show no further decrease in glucose tolerance and minimal reduction in GSH values after ACTH or cortisone therapy.
- Published
- 1951
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