Use of agents to cause intermittent lowering of levels of cortisol and other adrenal hormones

摘要

Use of a group of chemically active compounds to cause intermittent lowering of blood concentrations of adrenal hormones and thereby treat the symptoms of clinical conditions associated with the abnormal concentrations of such hormones. Previously accepted medical and veterinary protocols for treatment required the sustained lowering of serum concentrations of these hormones in order to achieve a clinical response. Preferred compounds of the invention include trilostane, ketotrilostane and epostane. The invention has practical benefits for the treatment of man and other animals with diseases associated with abnormal production of adrenal steroids. The invention also shows that sustained suppression of the adrenal hormones is not required to achieve relief of symptoms in these conditions.