Adrenocortical Function in Fever

Abstract Signs of increased or normal adrenocortical function are found in patients suffering from severe bacterial infections. To further study the adrenocortical function in fever, 8 guinea pigs were injected daily with TAB vaccine for 9 days. 42 patients suffering from purulent meningitis and pneumonia were also investigated. The adrenocortical function was estimated by the urinary output of 17-KS and 17-OHCS in the guinea pigs, and similar methods were applied in 19 patients. In addition estimation of plasma 17-OHCS was carried out in 23 patients. An increased adrenocortical function was demonstrated in guinea pigs as well as in humans during the first days of a febrile response. Later on the adrenocortical function was found to be within normal limits whether the temperature was normal or not. "The normal functioning adrenal cortex" in severe infectious diseases is rather a sign of adaptation to the stressor, and no evidence was found pointing to a development of adrenocortical failure or exhaustion.