Cortisol production rate in childhood and adolescence

Barbara L. Linder, Nora V. Esteban, Alfred L. Yergey, Jorg C. Winterer, D. Lynn Loriaux, Fernando Cassorla

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

179 Scopus citations

Abstract

We studied the daily cortisol production rate in 33 normal children and adolescents, using a stable isotope-dilution technique employing high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two indwelling intravenous catheters were inserted and tracer 9,12,12-2H3-cortisol (deuterated cortisol) was infused continuously for 30 hours. After 6 hours of tracer infusion to allow for equilibration, blood was obtained every 20 minutes for 24 hours. The mean (±SD) cortisol production rate was 9.5±2.5 mg/day (6.8±1.9 mg/m2/day). Cortisol production rate did not vary with sex or pubertal stage. These results suggest that the cortisol production rate in children and adolescents is significantly lower than previously estimated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)892-896
Number of pages5
JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics
Volume117
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cortisol production rate in childhood and adolescence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this