Decreased activity of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in patients with Cushing's syndrome

BACKGROUND: TO study 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in Gushi ng's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Measurements of free cortisol, cortisone, tetrahydroco rtisol and tetrahydrocortisone in 24 h urine samples of patients with Gushi ng's syndrome and controls. RESULTS: The cortisol to cortisone and tetrahydrocortisol to tetrahydrocort isone relationship was significant tin controls, r = 0.70; p < 0.0001, and r = 0.75; p < 0.0001) respectively, but it was not in patients with Gushing 's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity is decreased in patients with Gushing's syndrome.