Soro A, Glorioso N, Ingram MC, Fraser R
Different plasma corticosteroid patterns in normotensive and hypertensive subjects
16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension
ISH Abstract Book (Jun) 16: 1996

Possible partial defects in corticosteroid biosynthesis in essential hypertension have been reported but the impact of these defects in the hypertensive population is unknown. The authors studied 117 essential hypertensive patients and 49 normotensive subjects with negative family history of hypertension.

The ratio Deoxycortisol/Cortisol was higher in hypertensives (which suggests 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency) than in healthy controls (3.4 vs 1.3, P<0.001) but, in contrast, the ratio of deoxycorticosterone/corticosterone was not. In hypertensives, PRA was lower than in normotensives but plasma ALDO levels were similar. Plasma corticosterone concentration was higher (although still within a random normal range) and cortisol lower in HT than in NT. The abnormality of steroid pattern in HT did not conform to classic 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency.

Comment: Slightly but significantly increased corticosterone levels may be relevant to the development of hypertension and suggest further studies of the genetics of adrenal hydroxylase (Carmine Zoccali, M.D, Reggio Calabria, Italy).

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16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension
H: Special problems : Endocrine hypertension