Archives of environmental health
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Arch. Environ. Health · Mar 1985
Adrenocortical function after acute carbon monoxide exposure in humans.
The effect of acute carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, and cortisol levels was studied in patients approximately 80-90 min after removal from the scene of exposure. Nine patients had carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels below 15%. ⋯ Plasma cortisol and aldosterone levels were appropriate for the levels of ACTH and PRA achieved. We concluded that (a) acute carbon monoxide poisoning leads to elevated plasma corticosteroid levels, and (b) the adrenal gland appears to function normally acutely after exposure to carbon monoxide.