[Age-related changes in the reaction of the adrenal cortex to surgical stress in cancer patients].

11-Oxycorticosteroids levels were determined in 371 patients with breast, stomach and rectal cancer in the process of surgical treatment. More pronounced reaction of the adrenal cortex to surgical stress and/or time-delayed restoration of the hormone level within the next few days were found in older patients. Resistance to inhibition by dexamethasone in stomach cancer patients was accompanied by elevated cortisol levels during operation. It is concluded that age-related decrease in hypothalamo-pituitary complex sensitivity to inhibition by corticosteroids may be a cause of hypercortisolemia in the course of surgery.