Fig. 2.

Mean ± SD of corticotrophin (ACTH) (top) and cortisol (bottom) concentrations. Measures between 2000 and 0800 hr reflect basal concentrations. Dexamethasone (8 mg iv) was administered at 2300 hr. Cosyntropin (0.01 μg/kg iv) was administered at 0800 hr. Abstinent alcohol-dependent participants suppressed corticotropin (p < 0.004) and cortisol (p < 0.05) after dexamethasone (2300 to 0500 hr) more than matched control participants. The cortisol response to cosyntropin was lower in the alcohol-dependent participants relative to the controls (p < 0.05). Closed circles represent healthy control participants; open circles represent alcohol-dependent participants.