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What is primarily secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?
What is primarily secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?
Which component of the adrenal glands is responsible for releasing catecholamines?
Which component of the adrenal glands is responsible for releasing catecholamines?
What is the main function of glucocorticoids?
What is the main function of glucocorticoids?
Which steroid hormone is synthesized from pregnenolone?
Which steroid hormone is synthesized from pregnenolone?
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Which hormone is NOT classified as a mineralocorticoid?
Which hormone is NOT classified as a mineralocorticoid?
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What regulates the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids?
What regulates the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids?
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Which of the following is a glucocorticoid secreted by the zona fasciculata?
Which of the following is a glucocorticoid secreted by the zona fasciculata?
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Which adrenal hormone is primarily involved in stress response?
Which adrenal hormone is primarily involved in stress response?
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What changes occur in the musculoskeletal system due to glucocorticoid actions?
What changes occur in the musculoskeletal system due to glucocorticoid actions?
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What is a key characteristic of Addison's disease regarding hormone production?
What is a key characteristic of Addison's disease regarding hormone production?
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Which condition is NOT typically treated with glucocorticoids?
Which condition is NOT typically treated with glucocorticoids?
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How do glucocorticoids affect sodium and potassium in the cardiovascular system?
How do glucocorticoids affect sodium and potassium in the cardiovascular system?
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What is a potential consequence of elevated glucocorticoids in the skin?
What is a potential consequence of elevated glucocorticoids in the skin?
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In which of the following scenarios would glucocorticoids be administered intravenously?
In which of the following scenarios would glucocorticoids be administered intravenously?
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Which formulation of glucocorticoids is preferred for treating conditions in areas with thinner skin?
Which formulation of glucocorticoids is preferred for treating conditions in areas with thinner skin?
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Which of the following diseases with autoimmune components is a common indication for glucocorticoid therapy?
Which of the following diseases with autoimmune components is a common indication for glucocorticoid therapy?
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What triggers the synthesis of mineralocorticoids?
What triggers the synthesis of mineralocorticoids?
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Which process is primarily induced by glucocorticoids related to carbohydrates?
Which process is primarily induced by glucocorticoids related to carbohydrates?
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What is the primary action of glucocorticoids on protein metabolism?
What is the primary action of glucocorticoids on protein metabolism?
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What is one physiological effect of glucocorticoids on inflammation and immunity?
What is one physiological effect of glucocorticoids on inflammation and immunity?
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How does cortisol exert its actions in the body?
How does cortisol exert its actions in the body?
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Which of the following is a consequence of excessive glucocorticoid levels?
Which of the following is a consequence of excessive glucocorticoid levels?
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What role does the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis play in glucocorticoid synthesis?
What role does the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis play in glucocorticoid synthesis?
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What is the effect of glucocorticoids on lipid metabolism?
What is the effect of glucocorticoids on lipid metabolism?
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Which glucocorticoid is specifically noted for promoting fetal lung maturation in premature newborns?
Which glucocorticoid is specifically noted for promoting fetal lung maturation in premature newborns?
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What is one of the effects of glucocorticoids on the immune system?
What is one of the effects of glucocorticoids on the immune system?
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In the treatment of hypercalcemia, glucocorticoids help normalize calcium levels by which mechanism?
In the treatment of hypercalcemia, glucocorticoids help normalize calcium levels by which mechanism?
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Prolonged use of supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids can lead to which syndrome?
Prolonged use of supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids can lead to which syndrome?
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What is a common dermatological adverse effect associated with glucocorticoid therapy?
What is a common dermatological adverse effect associated with glucocorticoid therapy?
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What happens to adrenal cortex function after discontinuing glucocorticoid therapy?
What happens to adrenal cortex function after discontinuing glucocorticoid therapy?
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What metabolic alteration can occur with the use of glucocorticoids?
What metabolic alteration can occur with the use of glucocorticoids?
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What is one of the consequences of glucocorticoids stimulating gastric acid production?
What is one of the consequences of glucocorticoids stimulating gastric acid production?
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Study Notes
Glucocorticoids
- Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex.
- They influence carbohydrate and protein metabolism and regulate defense mechanisms.
- Their synthesis is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, specifically by ACTH from the anterior pituitary.
- Cortisol, a major glucocorticoid, is released in a circadian rhythm, with peak levels in the morning.
- Glucocorticoids play a role in regulating water and electrolyte balance via mineralocorticoid receptors.
Adrenal Glands
- Adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys.
- They are composed of two parts: medulla and cortex.
- The medulla (inner part) produces catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine).
- The cortex (outer part) secretes steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Types of Cortical Steroids
- Mineralocorticoids: Regulate water and electrolyte balance. Aldosterone is a key example.
- Glucocorticoids: Influence carbohydrate metabolism. Cortisol is a primary example.
- Gonadocorticoids: Influence reproductive function.
Mechanism of Action
- Glucocorticoids interact with intracellular receptors.
- The receptor-steroid complex affects DNA and gene transcription.
- This leads to the altered production of proteins.
Metabolic Actions
- Influence carbohydrate metabolism: Increased gluconeogenesis and decreased glucose uptake, leading to hyperglycemia.
- Increased glycogen storage
- Effect on proteins: Increased protein catabolism (tissue wasting).
- Effect on lipids: Increased lipolysis.
Regulatory Actions
- Immune function: Decreased inflammatory response and immune cell activity.
- Effect on lymphoid tissues: Decreased clonal expansion of T and B cells.
- Bone density: Decreased osteoblast activity and increased osteoclast activity, leading to osteoporosis.
- Cardiovascular effects: Increase blood pressure.
- Psychological effect: Mood alterations.
- Other: Affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by negative feedback, and influence the anterior pituitary to reduce the release of endogenous glucocorticoids.
Clinical Uses
- Replacement therapy: For Addison's Disease (adrenal insufficiency), chronic adrenal insufficiency.
- Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant therapy: Asthma, inflammatory skin conditions, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and some cancers.
Adverse Effects
- Cushing Syndrome: Characteristic features include "moon face," buffalo hump, central obesity, skin thinning, and muscle wasting.
- Atrophy of the Adrenal Cortex: Prolonged use can cause atrophy of the adrenal cortex, and reduced natural production of cortisol.
- Other: Hyperglycemia, hypertension, alterations in mood, peptic ulcers, growth retardation in children, osteoporosis.
Contraindications
- Patients with severe conditions such as psychosis, peptic ulcers, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and certain infections.
Types of Glucocorticoid Drugs
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Different drugs have varying durations of action, mineralocorticoid potency, and anti-inflammatory potency.
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Hydrocortisone, Cortisone, Deflazacort, Prednisolone, Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, Triamcinolone, Dexamethasone, Betamethasone are all examples of glucocorticoid drugs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the adrenal glands and the hormones they produce. This quiz covers topics like glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and the physiological effects of these hormones on the body. Challenge yourself with questions about hormone functions and related conditions.