The Effect of Cortisone on Peptic Ulcer Formation

Abstract

THERE HAS BEEN considerable interest expressed in the recent literature concerning the relationship of various hormones to peptic ulcer. It is known that the secretions of the adrenal glands are involved with the response to stress. In addition, peptic ulcers seem to be associated with chronic emotional stress and at times with traumatic stress. A relationship between adrenal cortical hormones and peptic ulcer would seem plausible. Clinical evidence to support this concept has been reported.^{1, 2} Gray, in reviewing the histories of patients with Addison's disease, found that peptic ulcer did not occur in this group unless they were receiving cortisone.³ However, conflicting reports are seen throughout the literature as to whether or not cortisone has any effect on gastric secretion and the activation or formation of peptic ulcer.^4-7 Because of this controversy and our interest in the role of cortisone in peptic and stress ulceration,