THE URINARY 17-KETOSTEROID LEVELS OF HUMAN LEUKEMIC SUBJECTS1

Abstract

THE dependence of lymphoid organ size and weight upon adrenocortical function has been adequately demonstrated (1 to 6). Recent evidence (7, 8, 9) indicates that functional activity of lymphoid tissue is likewise intimately related to the secretory activity of the adrenal cortex. Because lymphatic leukemia is characterized in part by hypertrophy and hyperactivity of the lymphoid tissues, it is reasonable to inquire into the possible involvement of the adrenal cortex in the leukemic syndrome. To this end, an evaluation of adrenocortical secretory activity in relation to the leukemic syndrome has been attempted. Two of the available criteria for measuring the activity of the gland have been employed. Adrenal cholesterol concentration, thought (10) to be an indicator of the secretory activity of the cortex, has been determined in mice before and after the induction of lymphatic leukemia. It was found (11) that in mice the disease is associated with a markedly decreased level of adrenal cholesterol, indicating a disturbance in the rate of secretion by the adrenal cortex.