Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) and Cortisol Regulation

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What is the primary purpose of ACTH?

Stimulating the production of insulin

Maintaining blood pressure

Suppressing the immune system's response

Regulating glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism (correct)

Which gland produces ACTH?

Pituitary gland (correct)

Hypothalamus

Adrenal glands

Thyroid gland

What hormone stimulates the production of ACTH by the pituitary gland?

Thyroxine

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (correct)

Insulin

Cortisol

When do ACTH levels increase?

When cortisol is low Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an ACTH test, usually in conjunction with cortisol tests?

To help detect conditions associated with excessive or deficient cortisol in the body Signup and view all the answers

What can too much cortisol cause?

Obesity and increased body hair Signup and view all the answers

How do patients with insufficient cortisol production typically present?

Muscle weakness and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

When are ACTH and cortisol levels typically at their highest and lowest, respectively?

Both at their highest in the morning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of suppression or stimulation testing for ACTH and cortisol?

To evaluate hormone production and function Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary symptoms of hypopituitarism?

Decreased hormone production by the pituitary Signup and view all the answers

What does a decreased level of ACTH indicate in the context of testing for adrenal gland problems?

Hypopituitarism Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common sample used for testing ACTH and cortisol levels?

Fasting blood serum (early morning) Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands?

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of cortisol in the body?

Regulating glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What conditions can be diagnosed using ACTH blood tests in conjunction with cortisol tests?

Cushing syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms can be associated with excessive cortisol production?

Obesity and high potassium levels Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is both ACTH and cortisol increased?

Cushing disease (pituitary tumor producing ACTH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of suppression or stimulation testing for ACTH and cortisol?

To determine the cause of abnormal initial findings Signup and view all the answers

When are ACTH and cortisol levels typically at their highest?

In the morning Signup and view all the answers

What are cardiac biomarkers?

Chemical substances released into the blood when the heart is damaged or stressed Signup and view all the answers

What is the most sensitive biomarker test for detecting heart damage?

Troponin Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical utility of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)?

Hepatocellular and skeletal disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of myoglobin in the body?

Oxygen binding protein of cardiac and skeletal muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme accounts for only 3-20% of total CK activity in the heart?

CK-MB (CK-2) Signup and view all the answers

Where is lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) found?

Skeletal muscle, liver, heart, kidney, and red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of cardiac troponins?

Complex of 3 protein subunits Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is widely distributed in different tissues and has the highest concentrations in cardiac tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle?

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical significance of myoglobin levels in the context of muscle trauma and AMI?

Increased in cardiac muscle trauma, skeletal muscle trauma, and AMI Signup and view all the answers

What is the total sensitivity and specificity of Creatine Kinase (CK or CPK)?

%40 sensitive and %80 specific Signup and view all the answers