Endocrine Abstracts

The pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome that accompanies both acute alcohol ingestion and alcohol withdrawal is an important differential diagnosis of hypercortisolism that is poorly understood. Two isozymes of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) interconvert hormonally active cortisol (F) and inactive cortisone (E). Previously we have shown higher urinary F:E metabolite ratios (a reflection of total body 11βHSD activity) in patients with alcoholic liver disea...