Plasma desoxycorticosterone levels in man with simultaneous measurement of aldosterone, corticosterone, cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol.

Abstract

A double isotope derivative dilution procedure has been developed to measure deoxycorticosterone (DOC) in human peripheral plasma. The method involves the addition of [14C]-DOC as internal recovery indicator and [3H]-acetic anhydride for derivative formation. The method shows adequate specificity, precision and accuracy. Simultaneously, aldosterone, corticosterone, cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol have been measured with DOC. Normal plasma DOC levels were found to be 6.3 ± 1.0 ng/100 ml (mean ± se, n = 17). The corresponding levels of aldosterone, corticosterone, cortisol and 11-deoxy cortisol were 6.5 ± 1.0 ng/100 ml, 0.42 ± 0.09 μg/100 ml, 13.9 ± 1.4 μg/100 ml and 0.060 ± 0.013 μg/100 ml respectively. ACTH administered to 6 subjects produced a mean increase in plasma DOC from 4.7 to 32.4 ng/100 ml. Angiotensin II infused at subpressor doses for 2 hr into 8 subjects did not increase mean plasma DOC. Similarly, dietary sodium restriction for 5 days or postural change did not increase plasma DOC. These result...