adrenal Flashcards
structure of adrenals
outer cortex
inner medulla
what does the cortex produce
steroids
what are the steroids the cortex produces
cortisol, aldosterone and androgens
what does the medulla secrete
catecholamines
aldosterone secretion controlled by
RAS
hypothalamus to adrenals hormones
CRH from the hypothalamus stimulates ACTH pituitary, which stimulates cortisol production by the adrenal cortex
where does ACTH come from
anterior pituitary
CRH release is under the influence of
circadian rhythm and stress
main cortisol effect
carb metabolism
other cortisol effects
protein catabolism increased deposition of fat and glycogen sodium retention increased renal potassium loss diminished host response to infection
addisons
destruction of the entire adrenal gland
most of addisons underlying cause
autoantibodies
addisons symptoms
lethargy, depression, anorexia and weight loss
why do you get postural hypotension in addisons
salt and water loss
why do you get hyperpigmentation in addisons
stimulation of melanocytes by excess ACTH
addisonian crisis presentation
vomiting, abdominal pain, profound weakness, hypoglycaemia and hypovolaemic shock
diagnostic test in addisons
ACTH (tetracosactide) stimulation test
addisons biochemical test shows
hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and a raised urea
synthetic steroid
Hydrocortisone
synthetic mineralocorticoid
Fludrocortisone
cushings
inappropriately elevated circulating glucocorticoid levels
most cases of cushings are caused by
administration of synthetic steroid
dif between cushings disease and cushings syndrome
cushings syndrome: general term for excess glucocorticoid
cushings disease: high ACTH = high glucocorticoid
something that mimics cushings
alcohol excess
