The adrenocorticotropin stimulation test: contribution of a physiologically based model developed in horse for its interpretation in different pathophysiological situations encountered in man.

The present study aimed to characterize the adrenal response to ACTH. A model was developed that coupled the nonlinear disposition of cortisol with a physiologically based model for cortisol secretion by the adrenals. It was assumed that the response to ACTH resulted from two mechanisms: a stimulation of the cortisol secretion rate and control of the duration of the secretion.