EFFECT OF SHORT-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF CNS-ACTING DRUGS ON CIRCADIAN VARIATION OF PLASMA 17-OHCS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

The circadian pattern of the plasma 17-OHCS [17-hydroxycorticosteroid] in normal human subjects is unaffected by the administration of reserpine, chlordiazepoxide, meproba-mate, chlorpromazine or diphenylhydantoin in a therapeutic regimen over a 2-week period. Administration of diphenylhydantoin over an 8-week period is similarly ineffectual. These drugs were studied because of their dual effects on the CNS [central nervous system] and on the pituitary-adrenal axis. Possible expanations of the failure of such drugs to affect the circadian pattern of plasma 17-OHCS levels are discussed in terms of the physiology of the CNS control of these patterna.