Abstract
A circadian rhythm of plasma cortisol was studied in 30 asthmatic children and 30 control ones. The asthmatics were the patients compelled to admission to the National-Sanatorium, Nishi Sapporo Hospital because of their resistance to the treatment. They were divided into two groups; Group 1 consisted of 24 asymptomatic patients and Group 2 of 6 symptomatic ones after their admission. The pattern of the carcadian rhythm in Group 1; highest at 8 a.m. and lowest at 11 p.m., was similar to that in control. However, significantly higher values were obtained at 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., compared with those in control. In Group 2, the plasma cortisol levels were lowest at 8 p.m. and rather increased in some degree at 11 p.m. Forced exspiratory volume (FEV) were a little lower in asthmatic children than that in the controls. Therefor, it is suspected that the latent air way resistance consistently cxsists even in the asymptomatic period and acts as a stress to stimulate the pituitary-adrenal axis.
