A STUDY OF THE DIURNAL VARIATIONS IN CIRCULATING LYMPHOCYTES IN NORMAL AND PSYCHOTIC SUBJECTS

Investigation was undertaken of the variations in circulating lymphocyte numbers as possible indices of adrenal cortical function in normal and in psychotic subjects of men, indicating a similar adrenal steroid effect in men.

Abstract

REPORT has been made of a diurnal variation in the urinary 17-ketosteroids of men,indicating (on an hourly basis) a minimal excretion at night and during the day a rise toa maximum, ordinarily occurring shortly after waking, and a decline thereafter (4, 6). The 17-ketosteroid output is taken as an index of adrenal secretion. Recently, Dougherty and White (2) have demonstrated that the administration of certain active adrenal cortical steroids will result in a notable decline of circulation blood lymphocytes in animals. We have data (unpublished) indicating a similar adrenal steroid effect in men. Investigation was therefore undertaken of the variations in circulating lymphocyte numbers as possible indices of adrenal cortical function in normal and in psychotic subjects. Six normal men and six normal women, working at the Worcester State Hospital, served as volunteer subjects, and blood counts were taken at intervals during a 24-hour period as indicated in Table 1.