[Comparative characteristics of steroidogenesis and its biorhythm in the hyperfunctioning adrenal cortex].

The paper summarizes the results od several studies of the daily rhythms of steroid hormones in patients with ACTH-dependent Itsenko-Cushing's disease (CD) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (late-onset forms) (CAH). Normal daily rhythms of adrenal C21- and C19-steroids and ACTH were observed in 23.5% of CD patients. CAH patients had the marked daily rhythms of adrenal androgens and testosterone which were typical of those of cortisole. The ratios of steroid hormones to its precursors provide evidence for enhanced activities of 17-, 11 beta- and 18-hydroxylases in CD patients and normal enzymatic activities in CAH patients, whereas 21-hydroxylase being an exception.