[Features of adrenal cortex function in heterozygous carriers of 21-hydroxylase deficiency].

Adrenocortical function in carriers of 21-hydroxylase insufficiency and in persons without it was investigated by change in the levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone before and against a background of prolonged ACTH stimulation. Differences in change of the basal concentrations of these hormones in both groups were absent. Change of adrenocortical function in the carriers was observed against a background of ACTH stimulation only by the blood level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Prolonged ACTH stimulation revealed not only quantitative but also qualitative traits of adrenocortical function in carriers of 21-hydroxylase insufficiency. An algorithm for diagnosing this insufficiency was worked out.