This study investigates the effects of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol on brain structure and function. Patients with Cushing's disease are studied before and after treatment. Brain imaging and neuropsychologic tests are used to study changes in the hippocampus and thinking and learning functions as well as mood during the period of elevated cortisol. At several intervals after treatment, these are reexamined to study the degree of reversibility of the abnormalities. The contribution of cortisol as well as testosterone and estrogen to dysfunction and recovery is studied. Since elevated cortisol and dysregulation of its secretory system occurs in a significant proportion of the aged and in Alzheimers Disease and Major Depressive Disorder, these studies will help advance knowledge of the role of cortisol in these conditions.

Condition
Cushing Syndrome

Ages Eligible for Study:  9 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Criteria

Inclusion criteria:

• patients with suspected Cushing's syndrome with clinical findings suggestive of Cushing's syndrome and positive screening tests (urinary free cortisol and low dose overnight dexamethasone suppression test).

Exclusion criteria: none

Michigan
      General Clinical Research Center, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor,  Michigan,  48109,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  51337DK
Record last reviewed:  October 2004
Record first received:  April 8, 2004
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00081341
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2004-11-08