Actions of Adrenal Steroids and Treatment of Adrenal Disorders

Question 1

Adrenal medulla

Answer 1

• Neural crest origin

* Secretes catecholamines

Question 2

Adrenal cortex

Answer 2

• Mesodermal origin

• Zona glomerulosa
– Produces mineralocorticoids
(Aldosterone)

• Zona fasciculata
– Produces mainly glucocorticoids
(Cortisol and Corticosterone)

• Zona reticularis
– Produces mainly androgens (DHEA and Testosterone precursors)

Question 3

Mineralocorticoids regulate

Answer 3

salt/electrolyte and water balance - important for Na+ retention in the kidney to maintain blood pressure.

Question 4

The glucocorticoids have widespread actions affecting

Answer 4

arbohydrate and protein metabolism but also have potent effects on host defence mechanisms – largely immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory.

Question 5

Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 5

• Caused by excessive exposure to glucocorticoids

* Due to disease (e.g. tumour) or by prolonged administration of glucocorticoid drugs.

Question 6

The main clinical use of mineralocorticoids is

Answer 6

replacement therapy as in Addison’s disease where there is decreased aldosterone secretion.

Question 7

Symptoms of Addisons disease will include:

Answer 7

nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weakness, anorexia, skin pigmentation (due to MSH), hypotension, low sodium/high potassium, chronic dehydration and sexual dysfunction.