Adrenal Gland and Hormones Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary chemical signal that triggers catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla?

  • Norepinephrine
  • Acetylcholine (correct)
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the degradation of catecholamines in neuronal mitochondria?

  • Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
  • Dopamine β-hydroxylase
  • Monoamine oxidase (MAO) (correct)
  • Tyrosine hydroxylase

How does cortisol influence epinephrine production in adrenal chromaffin cells?

  • By increasing dopamine levels
  • By promoting the release of ACh
  • By inhibiting catecholamine synthesis
  • By maintaining gene expression of PNMT (correct)

Which adrenergic receptor type primarily increases cyclic AMP levels in the heart?

<p>β1 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the potency of epinephrine and norepinephrine at adrenergic receptors is correct?

<p>Norepinephrine is more effective at α2 receptors than epinephrine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary physiological response do catecholamines evoke due to their direct innervation by the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Rapid adrenomedullary responses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism primarily leads to the actions of catecholamines in target tissues?

<p>Adrenergic GPCR signaling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate duration of action for circulating catecholamines in the body?

<p>10 seconds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hormonal product of the adrenal medulla?

<p>Epinephrine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for converting norepinephrine to epinephrine in chromaffin cells?

<p>Phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cortisol influence the differentiation of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla?

<p>It inhibits neuronal differentiation of chromaffin cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does high extracellular potassium have on aldosterone synthesis?

<p>Depolarizes glomerulosa cells and stimulates aldosterone production. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism regulates the synthesis of aldosterone when blood sodium and water levels are low?

<p>Increased secretion of Angiotensin II that stimulates receptor activity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormones are primarily synthesized and stored in the adrenal medulla's chromaffin granules?

<p>Epinephrine and norepinephrine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily regulates the secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla?

<p>Descending sympathetic signals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of circulating norepinephrine in the body?

<p>Postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can increase the release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla?

<p>Hypoglycemia and exercise (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the central nervous system initiates sympathetic responses affecting catecholamine release?

<p>Hypothalamus and brainstem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to a synergistic effect on the adrenal medulla's catecholamine response?

<p>Stress-induced secretion of cortisol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary storage medium for catecholamines in the adrenal medulla?

<p>Chromaffin granules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much of the cells in the adrenal medulla secrete norepinephrine?

<p>20-30% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT contribute to the regulation of catecholamine secretion?

<p>Stable blood glucose levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of circulating epinephrine is produced by the adrenal medulla?

<p>70-80% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall goal of the sympathoadrenal system during exercise?

<p>To meet increased energy demands of skeletal and cardiac muscle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adrenergic receptor type primarily acts on the heart to increase contractility?

<p>β1 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does epinephrine affect blood glucose levels during physical stress?

<p>It increases blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect does norepinephrine have on visceral smooth muscle during stress?

<p>Decreases motility to conserve energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of pheochromocytoma caused by excessive catecholamine production?

<p>Sudden outburst of hypertension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is promoted by epinephrine to increase energy availability during exercise?

<p>Glycogenolysis in muscle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may require adrenalectomy and glucocorticoid therapy as part of its treatment?

<p>Pheochromocytoma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does epinephrine have on lipolysis?

<p>Promotes lipolysis to increase free fatty acid availability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary method for diagnosing pheochromocytoma?

<p>Urinary catecholamine measurement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a physiological response common to the sympathoadrenal system?

<p>Increased cardiac output and blood flow to muscles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adrenal hormone is primarily responsible for regulating sodium retention in the kidney?

<p>Aldosterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stimulates the secretion of aldosterone in glomerulosa cells?

<p>Angiotensin II (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal action of aldosterone on renal function?

<p>Stimulate sodium reabsorption and water retention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two catecholamines are produced in the adrenal medulla?

<p>Epinephrine and norepinephrine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which receptor subtype has the highest affinity for norepinephrine?

<p>Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does excessive exposure to epinephrine primarily lead to?

<p>Heightened stress response and potential cardiovascular issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does aldosterone exert its physiological effects?

<p>By stimulating sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the kidneys (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the synthesis of aldosterone?

<p>Synthesis occurs in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological change is primarily mediated by norepinephrine?

<p>Increased blood pressure via vasoconstriction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is involved in the regulation of osmolarity in the body?

<p>Aldosterone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Catecholamine secretion trigger

Acetylcholine (ACh) from preganglionic sympathetic neurons activates chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla.

Tyrosine hydroxylase

Rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis.

Catecholamine degradation time

Circulating catecholamines are short-lived, lasting about 10 seconds.

MAO

Monoamine oxidase, primary enzyme degrading catecholamines in neuronal mitochondria.

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Adrenergic GPCRs

Catecholamines act through these G protein-coupled receptors to cause various effects in the body.

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α1 receptor response

Triggers IP3 and DAG, increasing vascular smooth muscle activity.

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β2 receptor potency

Epinephrine is more potent than norepinephrine for this receptor.

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Adrenal medulla response time

Very rapid, due to direct ANS innervation.

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Sympathoadrenal response to exercise

A response similar to the fight-or-flight response, but without fear, increasing norepinephrine and epinephrine levels to meet energy demands of muscles and maintain brain function.

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Epinephrine's effect on glycogenolysis

Epinephrine triggers glycogen breakdown in muscle to increase glucose availability.

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Lipolysis in exercise

Epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulate fat breakdown in adipose tissue to increase free fatty acids.

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Sympathoadrenal response to visceral smooth muscle

Decreases motility in GI and urinary systems to conserve energy.

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Pheochromocytoma

A tumor of the adrenal medulla causing excessive catecholamine production.

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Pheochromocytoma symptoms

Sudden high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, anxiety, tremors, and glucose intolerance.

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Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma

Detection of urinary catecholamines and/or their metabolites is crucial.

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Treatment of Pheochromocytoma

Often involves adrenalectomy and hormone replacement therapies.

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Cardiac response to Epinephrine/Norepinephrine

Increases heart rate and strength of contractions and constricts blood vessels.

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Glucose availability during exercise

Exercise increases energy demands that are met by increasing blood glucose through glycogenolysis in muscle and liver and increases circulating free fatty acids.

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Adrenal Medulla Function

The adrenal medulla acts like a sympathetic ganglion but secretes hormones directly into the blood, unlike standard neuron-to-target communication.

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Catecholamine Storage

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are stored within chromaffin granules, along with ATP, calcium, and chromogranins.

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Epinephrine vs. Norepinephrine Ratio

The adrenal medulla primarily produces epinephrine (70-80%), with a smaller amount of norepinephrine (20-30%).

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Catecholamine Transport

Catecholamine release involves vesicles moving hormones from internal storage to the bloodstream.

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Regulation of Adrenal Medulla

The primary mechanism of control for epinephrine & norepinephrine release is sympathetic nervous system signals.

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Stress & Catecholamine Response

Stressful situations (exercise, low blood sugar, procedures) stimulate sympathetic signals that trigger hormone release.

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Catecholamine Control Centers

The hypothalamus and brainstem regulate sympathetic responses, receiving inputs from various body areas.

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Norepinephrine Source

Though the adrenal medulla plays a role, most circulating norepinephrine comes from neurons in the sympathetic nervous system.

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Adrenal Medulla Necessity

Since the adrenal medulla isn't the only source of catecholamines, it's functions aren't essential for life.

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Chromaffin Granules

Specialized storage containers in the adrenal medulla that hold catecholamines, facilitating release into the bloodstream.

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Aldosterone Regulation

Aldosterone production is regulated by factors like sodium and water levels through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), high extracellular potassium, and ACTH.

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Aldosterone Production Trigger (High K+)

High extracellular potassium (K+) directly stimulates aldosterone production, leading to increased K+ excretion by the kidneys.

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Adrenal Cortex Development

Mesodermal cells differentiate into steroidogenic cells, producing mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens; neural crest cells migrate to create the medulla.

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Cortisol's Role in Medulla

Cortisol, from the cortex, inhibits neuronal differentiation in chromaffin cells; it stimulates epinephrine production, the primary adrenal medulla hormone.

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ROMK/ENaC Channels

ROMK (renal outer medullary potassium channel) and ENaC (epithelial sodium channel) are important for regulating salt/water balance by respectively controlling K+ and Na+.

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Aldosterone class

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone.

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Aldosterone synthesis site

Synthesized in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.

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Renin-angiotensin system

Regulates aldosterone secretion.

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Aldosterone kidney effect

Increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion by kidneys.

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Adrenoceptor subtypes

Five different types that catecholamines bind to.

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Catecholamine types

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are catecholamines.

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Extracellular fluid volume (ECV)

The amount of fluid outside of cells.

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Osmolality regulation

Controlled by Arginine vasopressin (AVP).

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Aldosterone plasma binding

About 37% free in plasma, rest binds weakly to CBG and albumin.

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Aldosterone synthesis rate

Controlled by enzymes in glomerulosa cells, not a storage pool of pre-synthesized hormone.

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Study Notes

Adrenal Gland and Adrenal Hormones

  • Aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine belong to a class of steroid hormones.
  • Aldosterone is synthesized in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.
  • Norepinephrine and epinephrine are synthesized in the adrenal medulla.

Aldosterone: Function and Regulation

  • Aldosterone regulates extracellular volume (ECV) by acting on Na+ retention/absorption in the kidneys.
  • Arginine vasopressin (AVP)/antidiuretic hormone (ADH) regulates osmolality by affecting free water balance and Na+ concentration.
  • Osmolarity is maintained at 300 mOs/L.
  • Aldosterone synthesis is regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Aldosterone: Synthesis

  • Aldosterone is synthesized from cholesterol.
  • The zona glomerulosa is the exclusive site of aldosterone synthesis.
  • Aldosterone secretion is limited by the rate of synthesis in the glomerulosa cells.
  • ACTH, extracellular K+, and ANG II stimulate aldosterone production.
  • Enzymes such as SCC and aldosterone synthase are crucial in the synthesis process.
  • ~37% of circulating aldosterone stays free in plasma; the rest binds to CBG (~21%) and albumin (~42%).

Aldosterone: Mechanism of Action

  • The primary action of aldosterone is to stimulate kidney Na+ reabsorption/water reabsorption and enhance potassium secretion.
  • MRs are present in tissues like the myocardium, liver, brain and others.
  • Aldosterone modulates gene transcription after binding to the MR.
  • Aldosterone regulates a small fraction of renal Na+ reabsorption in the distal tubule and collecting duct.
  • Loss of aldosterone-mediated Na+ reabsorption leads to electrolyte abnormalities like hyperkalemia, and hypotension.
  • Excess aldosterone results in hypokalemia and hypertension.
  • Increased Na+ reabsorption results in a 3L change in extracellular volume with only a 2% change in Na+ excretion.

Aldosterone: Regulation of Synthesis

  • Na and water levels feedback through the RAAS.
  • Ang II binds to receptors, triggering a cascade leading to Ca2+ increase and activating enzymes (P450scc, CYP11A1) that promote cholesterol delivery and aldosterone synthesis.
  • High extracellular K+ also depolarizes glomerulosa cells, opening Ca2+ channels, stimulating aldosterone synthesis.
  • ACTH also stimulates production of aldosterone and P450scc (desmolase, CYP11A1).
  • Binding to MC2R stimulates Ca2+ inflow.

Feedback Regulation of Aldosterone Synthesis

  • Blood K+ level increases, triggering aldosterone release.
  • Aldosterone targets kidneys, causing K+ release and blood Na+/K+ levels returning to normal.
  • Feedback inhibition occurs based on blood Na+ levels.

Adrenal Medulla: Catecholamines

  • Adrenal medulla synthesizes catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.
  • Catecholamines are stored in chromaffin granules with ATP, calcium and protein complexes (chromogranins).
  • Catecholamines, particularly epinephrine, are derived entirely from the adrenal medulla.

Development of the Adrenal Gland

  • The adrenal cortex develops from mesodermal cells.
  • Neural crest-derived chromaffin cells migrate into the cortex to form the medulla.
  • Cortisol inhibits neuronal differentiation of chromaffin cells.
  • Cortisol induces PNMT expression in chromaffin cells, converting norepinephrine to epinephrine.

Adrenal Medulla Actions

  • The adrenal medulla bridges the endocrine and sympathetic nervous systems.
  • Adrenomedullary catecholamines are secreted into the bloodstream and act as hormones.
  • Chromaffin cells release epinephrine and norepinephrine directly into the blood.

Regulation of Catecholamines

  • Secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine is primarily regulated by descending sympathetic signals in response to stress.
  • Hypothalamus, brainstem, cerebral cortex, and limbic system are involved in initiation of sympathetic responses.
  • Acetylcholine (ACh) stimulates catecholamine release by activating tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase, stimulating exocytosis of chromaffin granules.

Degradation of Catecholamines

  • Biological response of catecholamines is short-lived (~10 seconds).
  • Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) are primary degradation enzymes.

Mechanism of Action of Catecholamines

  • Catecholamines act via adrenergic GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors).
  • Different receptors (α1, α2, β1, β2, β3) mediate diverse effects, with varied sensitivities to norepinephrine and epinephrine.
  • A single catecholamine can evoke multiple effects (e.g., vasodilation and vasoconstriction) depending on the circulating concentration and receptor activation.

Physiological Actions of Catecholamines

  • Catecholamine responses are very fast due to direct autonomic nervous system innervation.
  • Responses can anticipate stress, e.g., exercise.
  • Catecholamines increase energy supply, increasing cardiac output, blood glucose, and decreasing energy use in the Gl tract and urinary tract.

Pheochromocytoma

  • An uncommon tumor caused by hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla or other chromaffin tissue.
  • Characterized by excessive, unregulated catecholamine production.
  • Symptoms include sudden hypertension, headaches, sweating, anxiety, tremor, and glucose intolerance.
  • Diagnosis and treatment require detecting urinary catecholamines and metabolites, often involving adrenalectomy and hormone replacement therapy.

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Adrenal Gland Hormones PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on adrenal glands and their hormones including aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This quiz covers their synthesis, function, and regulation, with specific emphasis on their role in maintaining electrolyte balance and blood pressure.

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