Adrenal Glands and Their Hormones

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of mineralocorticoids?

Causing sodium retention and potassium wasting (correct)

Enhancing carbohydrate metabolism

Increasing immune response

Promoting potassium retention

Which hormone is primarily produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex?

Aldosterone

Epinephrine

Cortisol (correct)

Dihydrotestosterone

What effect do glucocorticoids have on the body?

Increasing potassium levels

Causing catabolic effects on carbohydrates, fats, and proteins (correct)

Stimulating testosterone production

Inducing sodium retention

Which of the following best describes the adrenal medulla's function?

Producing epinephrine and norepinephrine for fight or flight reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect associated with high levels of mineralocorticoids?

Edema and hypertension Signup and view all the answers

How is adrenocortical steroid synthesis initiated?

From cholesterol converted to pregnenolone Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect is directly caused by Addison's disease?

Skin hyperpigmentation Signup and view all the answers

What specifically is a characteristic action of sex hormones produced by the adrenal glands?

Supporting reproductive functions Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic value does determining the level of 17-ketosteroids hold?

Assessing adrenal cortex hormone secretion increases Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment for Addison's disease?

Fludrocortisone Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with Cushing syndrome?

Moon facies Signup and view all the answers

What causes the hyperpigmentation seen in Addison's disease?

Feedback stimulation of ACTH Signup and view all the answers

What condition may lead to an increase in ACTH and subsequently cause Cushing syndrome?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting tumor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a treatment for Cushing syndrome?

Corticosteroid replacement therapy Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Cushing syndrome have on blood sugar levels?

Increased blood sugar levels Signup and view all the answers

What electrolyte imbalance is typically seen in Addison's disease?

Hyperkalemia Signup and view all the answers

Which corticosteroid is classified as having a short duration of action?

Hydrocortisone Signup and view all the answers

Which corticosteroid is least potent among the listed options?

Cortisone Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Fludrocortisone acetate in treatment?

To act as an aldosterone replacement Signup and view all the answers

In the treatment of inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis, what is commonly used alongside corticosteroids?

Salazopyrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for glucocorticoid administration after achieving stability in a patient's condition?

Gradually reduce the dose to the minimum effective level Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is part of the management for acute tissue rejection in organ transplantation?

Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants Signup and view all the answers

Why should corticosteroids not be stopped abruptly?

To prevent Addison’s like adrenal crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which would NOT typically be included as part of the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Antidepressants Signup and view all the answers

What effect does mifepristone have at high doses?

It acts as a glucocorticoid receptor competitive antagonist. Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme deficiency is primarily associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?

21-hydroxylase Signup and view all the answers

How does Conn's syndrome primarily affect electrolyte levels?

Causes sodium retention and potassium loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia to mitigate feedback stimulation of ACTH?

Cortisone Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the mechanisms by which corticosteroids exert their anti-inflammatory effects?

Inhibiting phospholipase A2. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by excessive production of androgens due to enzyme deficiency?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Signup and view all the answers

Which corticosteroid feature would be ideal for selective anti-inflammatory action without side effects?

Low sodium and water retention Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hyperaldosteronism is true?

It may cause secondary aldosteronism due to RAAS activity. Signup and view all the answers

What condition is NOT typically treated with corticosteroids?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is associated with prolonged use of corticosteroids?

Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a common drug interaction concern when using corticosteroids?

Severe hypokalemia with potassium depleting diuretics Signup and view all the answers

What condition could potentially worsen with corticosteroid use due to inflammation?

Peptic ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of abrupt withdrawal from corticosteroid therapy?

Addisonian-like syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a major complication related to corticosteroid side effect impacting eye health?

Cataract and increased intraocular pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following therapeutic uses for corticosteroids is accurate?

They are used as a supportive treatment in chemotherapy-induced nausea. Signup and view all the answers

How do corticosteroids affect blood sugar levels?

They increase blood sugar levels. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adrenal Glands Overview

Adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are located atop the kidneys and are critical for hormone release in stress response.
Each gland consists of two main structures: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and sex hormones (androgens).
The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, key players in the fight-or-flight response.

Adrenal Cortex Zones

Composed of three zones:
- Zona glomerulosa: produces mineralocorticoids.
- Zona fasciculata: produces glucocorticoids.
- Zona reticularis: produces sex hormones.

Classification of Adrenocortical Steroids

Mineralocorticoids:
- Promote sodium retention and potassium excretion.
- Elevated levels can cause edema and hypertension.
- Examples include aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone.
Glucocorticoids:
- Have catabolic effects on carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, also act as anti-inflammatory agents and immunosuppressants.
- Common examples are cortisone and hydrocortisone.
Sex Hormones:
- Includes dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone.

Synthesis and Transport of Adrenocorticoids

Synthesis begins with cholesterol, converting to pregnenolone, which transforms into various adrenocortical steroids.
Steroids are primarily bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) and albumin.
Metabolized in the liver to 17-ketosteroids, excreted via urine, serving as diagnostics for adrenal disorders.

Diseases Associated with Adrenal Disorders

Addison’s Disease:
- Characterized by adrenal hypofunction.
- Symptoms include hypotension, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, muscle weakness, skin hyperpigmentation, and weight loss.
- Treated with corticosteroid and sodium chloride replacement therapy, commonly using fludrocortisone.
Cushing Syndrome:
- Caused by adrenal hyperfunction, can be primary (adrenal defect) or secondary (overproduction of ACTH).
- Symptoms include edema, hypertension, moon face, buffalo hump, muscle weakness, hyperglycemia, and menstrual disturbances.
- Treatments involve surgical removal of tumors, steroidogenesis inhibitors, adrenolytic agents, and receptor antagonists.
Adrenogenital Syndrome / Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH):
- Resulting from enzyme deficiencies, particularly 21-hydroxylase.
- Leads to reduced aldosterone and corticosteroids, excessive androgen production causing masculinization in females and precocious puberty in males.
- Treated with cortisone.
Conn’s Syndrome (Hyperaldosteronism):
- Excess aldosterone production causing hypokalemia and hypertension.
- Primary is idiopathic; secondary arises from increased renin-angiotensin system activity.
- Treated with spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist.

Corticosteroids & Their Mechanisms

Corticosteroids exhibit anti-inflammatory actions by:
- Stimulating lipocortin synthesis inhibiting phospholipase A2.
- Inhibiting interleukins (IL-1, IL-2) and TNF.
- Enhancing macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).

Therapeutic Uses of Corticosteroids

Used for adrenal insufficiency, inflammatory conditions, organ transplantation, allergic reactions, and chemotherapy-related nausea.
Specific conditions treated include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, anaphylactic shock, and collagen diseases like lupus.

Corticosteroids Side Effects

Prolonged corticosteroid use can cause:
- Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome and increased infection risk.
- Gastrointestinal ulcers, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, cataracts, CNS disturbances, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance.
- Potential adrenal crisis if therapy is abruptly discontinued due to adrenal suppression.

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Risk of peptic ulcers when paired with NSAIDs.
Potassium-depleting diuretics may cause severe hypokalemia.
May increase blood sugar levels, contradicting hypoglycemic drugs.
Caution in congestive heart failure and digitalis therapy due to fluid retention risks.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the functions and regulations of adrenal gland hormones, including mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Students will learn to differentiate these hormones and explain their pharmacological effects, as well as assess diseases linked to adrenal disorders and the side effects of glucocorticoids.