Dysregulation of adrenal 11 beta-hydroxylase activity in hypertensive subjects: usefulness of the ACTH 1-17 stimulation test

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the validity of our previous hypothesis of adrenal 11 beta-hydroxylase (11-OH) dysregulatio n in "essential" low-renin hypertension. Methods and Results: A comparison was made between 30 hypertensive patients and 30 age-matched controls (NC) in basal conditions and after ACTH stimul ation (ACTH1-17) test. The 11-deoxycortisol (S) and deoxycorticosterone (DO C) integrated areas under the curve (AUCs) of stimulus were significantly h igher in the hypertensives (p < 0.001) and pointed to adrenal 11-OH dysregu lation. Conclusions: The ACTH 1-17 test detects impairment of 11-OH activin, of pro bable genetic origin. The relative mineralocorticoid excess thus provoked c ould be an additional cause of "essential" low-renin hypertension. Nutr Met ab Cardiovasc Dis (1999) 9: 192-195 (C) 1999, Medikal Press.