Serum cortisol levels of multiple sclerosis patients during ACTH treatment.

The adrenocortical function in 52 multiple sclerosis patients was studied and compared to that of ten healthy control subjects. The basic secretion rate of cortisol of the MS patients was within the range of normal. Reactivity of the adrenal cortex to stimulation by synthetic ACTH was markedly reduced independent of the duration of the disease with the exception of four patients who were in an early stage of the disease. No difference could be demonstrated between patients undergoing a bout and patients in a stage of remission. The pathogenetic and prognostic significance of the results of the present study are discussed.