20. Adrenocortical hormones, drugs for treatment of Cushing-disease and Addison-disease

Question 1

What are the zonas of the adrenal cortex, what do they produce?

Answer 1

1. zona glomerulosa - mineralocorticoids - aldosterone
2. zona fasciculata - glucocorticoids - cortisol
3. zona reticularis - sex hormones precursors

Question 2

Addison’s disease

Answer 2

Adrenal insuffisiency.

Question 3

Treatment of Addison’s disease:

Answer 3

Fludrocortisone for oral use

Side effects: hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hypertension, muscle weakness

Question 4

Cushing syndrome

Answer 4

collection of signs and symptoms due to prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids such as cortisol

Question 5

Treatment of Cushing syndrome

Answer 5

Mitotane (should be avoided)
Trilostane

Side effects: lethargy, acute pancreatitis, Addison’s crisis