Evidence for Conversion of Corticosterone to Aldosterone in Man.

Abstract

Corticosterone was given by continuous intravenous infusion for 48 hours, 200 mg daily to 1 normal subject and 300 mg daily to 2 others. Parameters were daily urinary excretion of aldosterone, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS), and electrolytes. During corticosterone administration these mean changes occurred; aldosterone excretion increased from baseline 8.6 [mu]g to 20.0 [mu]g; 17-OHCS output fell from baseline 9.1 mg to 1.1 mg; and Na/K ratio decreased from control 1.2 to 0.4. Following corticosterone infusion, aldosterone excretion remained depressed (6.1 [mu]g) for 2 days, while 17-OHCS output and Na/K rebounded to normal within 24 hours.