[Effect of large doses of reserpine on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system in Itsenko-Cushing's disease].

The results of study of the hypothalamo-hypophysio-adrenal system in patients with Itsenko-Cushing's disease under the influence of high reserpine doses are presented. An increase of plasma ACTH and cortizol level and disturbance of the 24-hour rhythm of their secretion was noted in the patients. High reserpine doses led to the fall of ACTH and cortizol secretion, without any normalization of their secretion rhythm in the course of 24 hours. A test with metopyron carried out before and after the reserpine prescription pointed to the increase of the ACTH reserve under the influence of high reserpine doses.