CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH A BIOASSAY METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF URINARY CORTICOSTEROIDS*

Abstract

A modification of the method of Eggleston, Johnston and Dobriner for the detn. of urinary corticosteroid is descr. in detail. Results in 25 normals and patients with endocrine and other disorders are reported. Normals excrete more than 3 and less than 24 mouse units per 24 hrs. Increased excretion was found in Cushing''s syndrome and after injn. of adrenocorticotropic hormone. The test was negative in Addison''s disease and panhypopituitarism. Of interest were normal levels in 6 of 8 acromegalics and less than 3 M. U./24 hrs. in the adrenogenital syndrome even after adrenocorticotropic hormone injection. In general,the biological method correlates well with chemical tests for reducing steroids. Although more cumbersome, it is more accurate at low levels.