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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is the half-life of aldosterone in circulation?

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

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

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

    What is a primary physiological effect of aldosterone?

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

    What percentage of aldosterone is typically bound to circulating proteins?

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

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

    <p>Mitotane</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Gynecomastia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism of action for Metyrapone?

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

    Which of the following drugs is not recommended during pregnancy?

    <p>Aminoglutethimide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary clinical use of Mifepristone?

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

    Which of the following adverse effects is associated with Levoketoconazole?

    <p>Hypokalemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    Which condition is Ketoconazole used to treat off-label?

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

    What is an indication for Osilodrostat?

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

    Which drug acts on the side-chain cleavage enzyme?

    <p>Aminoglutethimide</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Prednisone</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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What is a common adverse effect associated with inhaled glucocorticoids?

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

    Which glucocorticoid is preferred for treatment during pregnancy?

    <p>Prednisone</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

    What is the primary indication for using inhaled glucocorticoids?

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

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

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

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

    <p>Budesonide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common cause of primary hypoaldosteronism?

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

    What physiological change is primarily associated with hyperaldosteronism?

    <p>Hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What is a significant adverse effect associated with spironolactone?

    <p>Gynecomastia</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

    Which medication is considered the most widely used mineralocorticoid?

    <p>Fludrocortisone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does eplerenone differ from spironolactone in its action?

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

    What clinical consequence can arise from hyperaldosteronism?

    <p>Hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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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    Description

    This quiz explores the pharmacology of the adrenal cortex, focusing on glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal androgens. Participants will learn about routes of administration, steroid synthesis inhibitors, and receptor antagonists. Join us to enhance your understanding of adrenal gland pharmacology!

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