dexamethasone suppression test

dexamethasone (DST) suppression test,

a test of the blood or urine after administration of dexamethasone, a synthetic steroid similar to cortisol, that is used to diagnose Cushing's syndrome.

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dexamethasone

a synthetic glucocorticoid used primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent in various conditions, including autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity reactions and shock; it is also used in a screening test for the diagnosis of cushing's syndrome, and for the termination of pregnancy in cattle.

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dexamethasone suppression test

the determination of blood cortisol levels before and after administration of dexamethasone assists in diagnosing Cushing's syndrome and identifying the cause, depending on the protocol and dose used. Dexamethasone suppresses pituitary secretion of ACTH in normal animals and therefore the blood level of cortisol is decreased; low doses do not suppress cortisol levels in dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome, high doses do. Cortisol production by functional adrenal tumors is not affected by dexamethasone.

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dexamethasone suppression test

Endocrinology A clinical test that measures the ability of dexamethasone to suppress ACTH and cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland. See Cushing's disease.