Plasma corticosteroids

Steroids reversibly bind with two proteins in the plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin, which is a specific a2-globulin and albumin, which has nonspecific activity and a weakly expressed affinity to steroids. 

Drug/Lab test interactions Plasma corticosteroid levels may be increased. Urinary steroid determinations may be altered by amphetamines. 

Determination of plasma corticosteroids by HPLC combined with radio-iiTununoassay. (173)... 

Transient elevations in blood pressure and heart rate occur with seizures, probably as a result of increased sympathetic stimulation that leads to increases in norepinephrine levels. Hypertension or increased pretreatment heart rate are strongly predictive of peak postictal change in both heart rate and blood pressure ( 38). Increased parasympathetic stimulation decreases the heart rate as a result of inhibition of the sinoatrial node. Stimulation of the adrenal cortex leads to increased plasma corticosteroids and stimulation of the adrenal medulla, which may also contribute to increases in blood pressure and heart rate. 

Reproduced, with permission, from Krieger DT et al Characterization of the normal temporal pattern of plasma corticosteroid levels. 3 Clin Endocrinol Metab 1971 32 266.)... 

When it is necessary to maintain continuously elevated plasma corticosteroid levels to suppress ACTH, a slowly absorbed parenteral preparation or small oral doses at frequent intervals are required. The opposite situation exists with respect to the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory and allergic disorders. The same total quantity given in a few doses may be more effective than that given in many smaller doses or in a slowly absorbed parenteral form. 

When it is necessary to maintain continuously elevated plasma corticosteroid levels in order to... 

Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) on Sleeping Times, Plasma Corticosteroids and Testicular Activities of White-footed Mice, Environ. Physiol. Biochem. 5(5) 308-13 (1975). 

It has long been known that THC possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the biochemical bases for these effects was not well understood. Although it has been suggested that the THC-induced elevation of plasma corticosteroids was responsible, the experimental support for this hyopthesis is inconclusive (Sophia, R. D., Nalepa, S. D., Harakal, J. J. and Vassar, H. B., J. Pharma. Exper Then 186 646-655, and 1973). It has also been shown, in a variety of models that Al-THC-7-oic-acid can be a potent inhibitor of the prostaglandin synthetase system (Burstein, S., Hunter, S. A., Lathan, V. and Renzulli, L., Biochem. Pharmac. 35 2553-2558,1986). 

N6. Nugent, C. A., and Mayes, D. M. (with technical assistance of S. Morrett) Plasma corticosteroids determined by use of corticosteroid-binding globulin and dextran-coated charcoal. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 26, 1116-1122 (1966). 

Michael, R. R, K. D. Setchell, and T. M. Plant. 1974. Dinmal changes in plasma testosterone and stndies on plasma corticosteroids in nonanaesthetized male rhesns monkeys. Journal of Endocrinology 63 325-335. 

The degree of systemic side effects is dose-dependent, related to the half-life of the drug, frequency of administration, time of day when administered, and route of administration. In other words, the higher the plasma corticosteroid concentration and longer the half-life, the greater the systemic side effects will be (Table 33.3). 

The primer pheromone (for definition see page 2) of sexually mature females increases the plasma testosterone level of male mice 329), raises the basal levels of plasma corticosteroids in individually housed females as well as in virgin female mice and influences the attractiveness of female rats to sexually experienced males 280). 

The relationship of corticosteroids to obesity has been investigated. Some obese patients have been known to have elevated corticosteroid levels.A significant increase in plasma corticosteroid levels has been found in healthy young males after ingestion of d-amphetamine or Intravenous administration of methamphetamine (lVa).20 The latter compound was also associated with an increase in Immuno-reactive corticotropin level. It was suggested that these effects may represent a direct action of these drugs on hypothalamic or mld-braln receptors. 

As in humans, the increase of plasma corticosteroids during pregnancy... 

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