Effects of cortisol on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism: studies of acute cortisol withdrawal in adrenocortical failure.

Abstract in brief

• The study investigates the effects of acute cortisol withdrawal in women with adrenocortical failure, focusing on metabolic changes related to energy expenditure, glucose, and protein metabolism.
• Cortisol withdrawal led to decreased energy expenditure, increased insulin sensitivity (more glucose oxidation, less glucose production), and changes in protein turnover, suggesting it may contribute to symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, and hypoglycemia.
• The findings imply that cortisol deficiency impacts metabolism by reducing energy use and altering insulin and protein processing, which may explain some clinical features of Addison's disease, although muscle and weight loss might involve other factors like reduced appetite.