Lecture 3 Short Questions

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What are the two main parts of the adrenal gland?

The two main parts of the adrenal gland are the cortex and the medulla.

What are the three types of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex?

The three types of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens.

What is the function of the adrenal medulla?

The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.

What is the enzyme responsible for the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone?

The enzyme responsible for the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone is 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of synthesis for cortisol? How is cortisol regulated? How does stress influence cortisol secretion?

Cortisol is synthesized in the adrenal cortex. It is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Stress can increase cortisol secretion through the activation of the HPA axis. Signup and view all the answers

How would you investigate a subject suspected of having Addison's disease? What are some metabolic manifestations of Addison's disease?

Addison's disease can be investigated using a Synacthen stimulation test. Metabolic manifestations of Addison's disease include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. Signup and view all the answers

How would you investigate a subject suspected of having Cushing's disease? What are some metabolic manifestations of Cushing's disease?

Cushing's disease can be investigated using a dexamethasone suppression test. Metabolic manifestations of Cushing's disease include weight gain, hypertension, muscle weakness, and glucose intolerance. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of solid phases/chemistries mentioned in the text?

Light source and Mass spectrometry Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended technique for measuring the ACTH Circadian rhythm?

Sampling at the same time of day, such as 0800-0900 am Signup and view all the answers

What are the three fractions that steroid hormones are bound to?

SHBG, CBG, and Albumin Signup and view all the answers

How do unbound steroid hormones regulate gene transcription?

They bind to receptors (nuclear or cytoplasmic) and form homodimers, which regulate gene activity by binding to response elements on steroid responsive genes or transcription activators Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of aldosterone in the regulation of sodium and electrolyte balance?

Aldosterone helps in maintaining sodium and electrolyte balance in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What are the manifestations of hypocortisolism?

Manifestations of hypocortisolism include weakness, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, hypotension, and salt craving. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Synacthen stimulation test?

The Synacthen stimulation test is used to assess the responsiveness of the adrenal glands to stimulation and helps in diagnosing adrenal hypofunction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the causes of hypocortisolism?

Causes of hypocortisolism include primary Addison's disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, pituitary or hypothalamic disease, and iatrogenic cessation of therapy with glucocorticoids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hypercortisolism?

Cortisol production by the adrenals Signup and view all the answers

What are the manifestations of Cushing's Syndrome?

Hypertension, glucose intolerance/diabetes, hyperlipidemia, androgen excess (acne/hirsutism) and menstrual irregularities, fat redistribution, thin skin, immunosuppression, musculoskeletal wasting, increased calcium mobilization from bone, neuropsychiatric symptoms, lymphopenia, eosinophilia, and decreased neutrophil count Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a dexamethasone suppression test?

To suppress ACTH secretion by the pituitary Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal result of a low dose overnight dexamethasone suppression test?

Suppression of cortisol to <190 nmol/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glucocorticoids in the transcription of IL6 gene?

Glucocorticoids influence the transcription of IL6 gene by inhibiting the activation of gene transcription by NFkB. Signup and view all the answers

How are steroid hormones metabolized and excreted in the body?

Steroid hormones are metabolized to water soluble forms primarily in the liver through reduction of =O to -OH groups and conjugation with sulfate or glucuronide. These more water soluble forms are then excreted by the kidney, with the majority (around 90%) being excreted in the urine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of turning off the signal and downregulating hormone action?

Turning off the signal and downregulating hormone action involves removing or inactivating the hormone, decreasing its synthesis or release. This can be achieved through processes such as metabolism to water soluble forms and excretion. Signup and view all the answers

What are the reference intervals for salivary cortisol in adults in the morning, afternoon, and evening?

Morning: 2.6 - 42.8 nmol/L, Afternoon: < 9.9 nmol/L, Evening: < 3.2 nmol/L Signup and view all the answers

What are the reference intervals for salivary cortisol in neonatal babies in the morning and babies up to 6 months old in the morning?

Neonatal babies (morning): < 94.3 nmol/L, Babies up to 6 months old (morning): < 75.4 nmol/L Signup and view all the answers

What are the reference intervals for salivary cortisol in children aged 2-6 years in the morning and afternoon?

Morning: 0.9 - 17.8 nmol/L, Afternoon: 1.5 - 16.8 nmol/L Signup and view all the answers

What are the reference intervals for salivary cortisol in children aged 6-11 years in the morning and afternoon?

Morning: 2.3 - 23.2 nmol/L, Afternoon: < 5.9 nmol/L Signup and view all the answers