[Hormonal shifts in adolescents in the initial period of infection with tuberculosis].

In 78 adolescents aged 13-17 years, the functions of the pituitary body, adrenal and thyroid glands and pancreas were examined by means of radioimmunoassay. The controls were represented by 31 subjects with non-infected tuberculosis; in 47 adolescents, tuberculin test was seen to turn positive. The initial period of the tuberculosis infection in adolescents is marked by the following changes: inhibited pituitary function (other than adrenocorticotropic hormone); higher adrenal activity, elevated cortisol levels, altered (predominantly depressed) thyroidal function; and increased pancreas functional activity. The above changes indicate the inhibition of human defense forces and its comparatively high energy consumption. The presence of deviations in the physical development of adolescents, most frequently leading to an excessive weight, and pronounced tuberculin sensitivity aggravate the disturbance of the hormone equilibrium.