| Abstract: | The paper is concerned with the results of a study of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion and sensitivity of the hypothalamohypophyseal system to small doses of dexamethasone administered in different time of a day to patients with obesity. Disturbance of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion resulting in change of the nature of cortisol discharge in the second half of a day, was revealed. Three groups of patients were defined with relation to the type of response of the hypothalamohypophyseal system to dexamethasone administration: with normal, paradoxical and hypersensitive reactions. The results of the study of the circadian rhythm and response of the hypothalamohypophyseal system to dexamethasone were indicative of hypothalamic disturbances in obesity. The authors emphasized the relationship between the nature of sensitivity of the hypothalamohypophyseal system to dexamethasone and age at which the disease developed. |
