Pharmacology of Adrenal Cortex II

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason prednisone is prescribed for treating asthma in children?

  • It reduces inflammation in the airways. (correct)
  • It enhances exercise tolerance.
  • It directly dilates the airways.
  • It increases mucus production in the lungs.

What could cause Johnny's respiratory infection after switching to inhaled glucocorticoids?

  • Abrupt cessation of oral prednisone. (correct)
  • Inhaled medication causing lung damage.
  • A decrease in dietary intake.
  • Increased exercise during therapy.

Why are inhaled glucocorticoids generally considered safer than oral glucocorticoids for long-term asthma management?

  • They are available over the counter.
  • They are less effective than oral glucocorticoids.
  • They have fewer systemic side effects. (correct)
  • They do not require prescriptions.

What was a significant concern for Johnny's doctor regarding the use of oral prednisone?

<p>It might stunt Johnny's growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Addison's disease, what major hormone replacement therapy is the patient likely to receive?

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

What indicates that the patient likely has primary adrenal insufficiency based on the ACTH stimulation test results?

<p>Insufficient plasma cortisol response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could not contribute to Johnny's asthma exacerbation after stopping prednisone?

<p>Switching to inhaled glucocorticoids. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT typically associated with Addison's disease?

<p>Rapid weight gain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of action for aldosterone in the kidney?

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

What effect does aldosterone have on potassium levels in the body?

<p>Decreases potassium reabsorption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which receptor type is primarily involved in the genomic effects of aldosterone?

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

What is the half-life of aldosterone in circulation?

<p>20 minutes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does spironolactone affect the expression of ENaC and Na+/K+ ATPase?

<p>Decreases both ENaC and Na+/K+ ATPase expression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances significantly influences the synthesis of aldosterone?

<p>Renin-angiotensin system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary physiological effect of aldosterone?

<p>Increases sodium reabsorption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of aldosterone is typically bound to circulating proteins?

<p>50-60% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is primarily indicated for the treatment of severe Cushing's disease?

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

What is a common adverse effect associated with the use of Ketoconazole?

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

What is the mechanism of action for Metyrapone?

<p>11β-hydroxylase inhibitor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is not recommended during pregnancy?

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

What is the primary clinical use of Mifepristone?

<p>Termination of early pregnancy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adverse effects is associated with Levoketoconazole?

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

Which site of action is targeted by both Osilodrostat and Metyrapone?

<p>11β-hydroxylase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is Ketoconazole used to treat off-label?

<p>Cushing's syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for Osilodrostat?

<p>Cushing's disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug acts on the side-chain cleavage enzyme?

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

Which of the following glucocorticoids is NOT considered biologically active when applied topically?

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

What is one of the key advantages of local administration of glucocorticoids?

<p>Reduced risk of HPA axis suppression (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug combination includes both a long-acting beta2-agonist and an inhaled glucocorticoid?

<p>Budesonide + Salmeterol (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect associated with inhaled glucocorticoids?

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

In the context of topical corticosteroids, which of the following is considered very high potency?

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

Which glucocorticoid is preferred for treatment during pregnancy?

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

What is a significant risk associated with the prolonged use of systemic glucocorticoids?

<p>Cushing's syndrome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes intra-articular glucocorticoids particularly effective in treating joint conditions?

<p>Biologically active in joints (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for using inhaled glucocorticoids?

<p>Chronic treatment of asthma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for the activation of prednisone in the maternal liver during pregnancy?

<p>11β-HSD1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which glucocorticoid crosses the placenta in its active form and is indicated for fetal lung maturation?

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

Which condition is a commonly treated indication for intra-articular glucocorticoids?

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

What is the main reason why topical glucocorticoids must be biologically active?

<p>Skin lacks 11β-HSD1 enzyme (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is a common component of the combination therapy for asthma with LABAs?

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

What is the most common cause of primary hypoaldosteronism?

<p>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change is primarily associated with hyperaldosteronism?

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

Which condition requires the use of fludrocortisone as part of its treatment regimen?

<p>Addison’s disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists like spironolactone?

<p>Inhibition of aldosterone synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant adverse effect associated with spironolactone?

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

Which condition is characterized by a deficiency of 21β-hydroxylase?

<p>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of aldosterone on the body's electrolytes?

<p>Decreased potassium retention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is considered the most widely used mineralocorticoid?

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

How does eplerenone differ from spironolactone in its action?

<p>Eplerenone is selective for mineralocorticoid receptors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What clinical consequence can arise from hyperaldosteronism?

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

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Study Notes

Introduction to Adrenal Cortex Pharmacology

  • Focus on glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal androgens.
  • Discuss routes of administration, inhibitors of corticosteroid synthesis, and receptor antagonists.

Glucocorticoids

Routes of Administration

  • Oral: Tablet, solution, syrup.
  • Parenteral: Intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), intra-articular injection.
  • Topical: Lotion, cream, gel, ointment.
  • Inhaled: Aerosol application, primarily used for asthma.
  • Ophthalmic and otic: Solutions, ointments for eye and ear treatments.

Inhaled Glucocorticoids

  • Common drugs: Fluticasone, Beclomethasone, Budesonide.
  • Indications: Chronic asthma management.
  • Often used in combination with Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists (LABA) like Salmeterol and Formoterol.
  • Adverse effects: Oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Topical Glucocorticoids

  • Must be biologically active as the skin lacks the 11β-HSD1 enzyme.
  • Key drugs: Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone; not Prednisone.
  • Indications: Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
  • Potency varies: Betamethasone dipropionate and Clobetasol propionate noted for high potency.

Intra-Articular Administration

  • Depot glucocorticoids such as Methylprednisolone acetate.
  • Indications: Rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
  • Must be biologically active due to the absence of 11β-HSD1 in joints.

Local Administration

  • Benefits include high local concentration, reduced systemic adverse effects, and prevention of HPA axis suppression.

Use in Pregnancy

  • Prednisone is safe during pregnancy; converted to prednisolone by maternal liver.
  • Dexamethasone is used for promoting fetal lung maturation in high-risk cases.

Corticosteroid Synthesis Inhibitors and Receptor Antagonists

Inhibitors of Corticosteroid Synthesis

  • Drugs: Mitotane, Aminoglutethimide, Ketoconazole, Metryrapone, Osilodrostat, Levoketoconazole.
  • Clinical use: Primarily Cushing’s syndrome and adrenocortical carcinoma.
  • Site of action varies by drug; example: Ketoconazole affects multiple steroidogenesis pathways.

Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist

  • Mifepristone (Korlym®): Antagonizes both glucocorticoid and progesterone receptors.
  • Indications: Early pregnancy termination and hyperglycemia due to Cushing's syndrome.

Mineralocorticoids

Aldosterone

  • Main endogenous mineralocorticoid with minimal glucocorticoid effects.
  • Synthesized in the zona glomerulosa, primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin system.
  • Functions to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, maintaining blood pressure.

Treatment for Aldosterone Deficiency

  • Hypoaldosteronism: Can occur in conditions like Addison's disease or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  • Treatment involves replacement therapy with Fludrocortisone.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists

  • Examples: Spironolactone, Eplerenone.
  • Clinical use includes heart failure management, hyperaldosteronism, and edema control.
  • Side effects include endocrine-related issues and hyperkalemia.

Adrenal Androgens

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

  • A weak androgen and major precursor of estrogens.
  • Increased production seen in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21β-hydroxylase deficiency.
  • Treatment requires glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement to maintain balance.

Case Studies and Clinical Implications

  • Highlight scenarios involving asthma treatment with glucocorticoids and the importance of careful monitoring for side effects and growth in children.
  • Present hypoadrenalism case indicative of Addison's disease leading to hormone replacement therapy.

Key Considerations

  • Corticosteroids may cause various systemic effects; careful management of doses and routes is essential, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
  • Awareness of the pharmacologic properties and side effects is crucial for effective treatment of conditions involving adrenal hormones.

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