medicine: metopirone

metopirone description








Metyrapone (Metopirone) is a drug used in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and occasionally in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism).

Mechanism

Metyrapone blocks cortisol synthesis by inhibiting steroid 11β-hydroxylase. This stimulates ACTH secretion, which in turn increases plasma 11-deoxycortisol levels. When excess ACTH secretion is the cause of hypercortisolism, the metyrapone test helps clarify if the source of the ACTH is pituitary or ectopic (non-pituitary). The effects of metyrapone were first noticed by mistake in transgenic mice by TE Vanguard at the University of Tennessee in Memphis while testing a similar drug known as metradione which was being studied for its effects on corticosteroid uptake.

Uses

Metyrapone can be used in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. metyrapone 30mg/kg, maximum dose 3000 mg, is administered at midnight usually with a snack. The plasma cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol are measured the next morning between 8:00 and 9:00 am. A plasma cortisol less than 220nmol/l indicates adequate inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase. In patients with intact Hypothamalmo-pituitary-adrenal axis, CRH and ACTH levels rise as a response to the falling cortisol levels. This results in an increase of the steroid precursors in the pathway. Therefore if 11-deoxycortisol levels do not rise and remains less than 7 mcg/dl then it is highly suggestive of impaired HPA axis.

Metyrapone test may aid in verifying the cause of Cushing's syndrome. Most patients with pituitary dysfunction and/or pituitary microadenoma will increase ACTH secretion in response to metyrapone, while most ectopic ACTH-producing tumors will not. Pituitary macroadenomas do not always respond to metyrapone.

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