[Cushing's disease: role of feeding]

Abstract

We report a clinical case of a patient with corticotropin dependent Cushing disease. In this patient ingestion of mixed meals is followed by an increase of ACTH and cortisol. This effects seems secondary to ingestion of proteins, and it can be reproduced by intravenous injection of aminoacids. The pattern observed is similar to what is observed in normal subjects. Neurotransmitter substrate from protein meals or after intravenous injection of aminoacids may influence the factors controlling ACTH secretion in the studied patient.