Diurnal Variation of Plasma 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids in Subjects Suffering From Severe Brain Damage*

Discrepancy from the normal diurnal variation of plasma 17-OHCS has been observed in 4 human subjects suffering from various forms of severe damage to brain tissue associated with a profound degree of impairment of consciousness. A number of explanatory hypotheses as to the mechanism for diurnal variation of plasma 17-OHCS have been reviewed. Although no definite conclusions can be drawn from the data presented, they suggest that higher central nervous system processes may play a role in the regulation of 17-OHCS.