In vitro effects of theophylline and aminogluthetimide upon basal and ACTH induced cAMP levels and steroid output by the normal human adrenal gland.

The in vitro effects of theophylline and aminogluthetimide upon basal and ACTH stimulated cAMP, cortisol and aldosterone responses of normal human adrenocortical tissue were evaluated. Theophylline increased basal cAMP levels and cortisol output, however, basal aldosterone output was depressed. Theophylline in concert with ACTH depressed cortisol and aldosterone output. Aminogluthetimide alone did not affect basal cAMP levels, however, the normal cAMP response to ACTH was delayed in aminogluthetimide pre-treated adrenals. Aminogluthetimide also depressed basal and ACTH stimulated cortisol and aldosterone output with the latter being more sensitive. The findings indicate that both theophylline and aminogluthetimide produce effects upon the adrenal in addition to inhibition of phosphodiesterase and cholesterol side-chain cleavage, respectively. Further, theophylline depression of ACTH stimulated steroid output may be helpful in understanding the interplay between a number of factors in the control of adrenal steroid biosynthesis and release.