A Compartment Description for Cortisol Secretion, Distribution, Binding, and Metabolism in Man

This new multi-compartment model for secretion, distribution, binding, and metabolism of cortisol is capable of simulating the rapid fluctuations in plasma cortisol concentration observed in normal people during the early morning hours. In addition to the well- established principles of cortisol secretion, binding to plasma proteins, distribution, and metabolic clearance, the proposed model defines the presence of different cortisol binding sites in cells, as well as the complex adrenal response to changing blood levels of the pituitary hormone, ACTH. By incorporating these physiological principles into the model, a more detailed and accurate simulation of cortisol dynamics has been achieved.