Adrenal Cortex Flashcards
What are the three zones of the cortex and what steroid do they secrete?
(1) Zona glomerulosa- mineralocorticoids
(2) Zona fasciculata- glucocorticoids
(3) Zona reticularis- androgens
What is aldosterone? What does aldosterone do?
Mineralcorticoid; conserves sodium
What is the mechanism of action of Aldosterone? (6)
(1) Binds to receptor in kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon
(2) Stimulates protein synthesis
(3) More sodium channels
(4) More ATP producing enzymes
(5) More Na/K/ATPase (sodium pump)
(6) Increases Na transport
What is the pattern of circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion?
Plasma concentration is the highest in the morning (around 8am) and is the lowest late at night (around midnight) and is repeated approx every 24 hours
- Peak cortisol release resets everyday with exposure to light-
T/F Stress interferes with cortisol secretion.
TRUE
What is the overall effect of cortisol on liver metabolism?
Increase gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis (increase blood glucose)
What is the overall effect of cortisol on muscle protein?
Catabolic acid which promotes the net loss of protein (more amino acids in the blood which stimulates gluconeogenesis in liver for increased blood glucose); decrease glucose uptake, decrease protein synthesis, increase protein degradation
What is the overall effect of cortisol on adipose?
Decrease glucose uptake; increase lipid mobilization
What is Diabetogenic?
increasing diabetes
What happens with Glucocorticoid excess? (6)
(1) Hyperglycemia (insulin resistance)
(2) Muscle wasting
(3) Poor wound healing
(4) Redistribution of fat (truncal obesity)
(5) Hypertension (HBP)
(6) Immune suppression (increased susceptibility to infection
What happens with Glucocorticoid deficiency? (5)
(1) Hypoglycemia (increased insulin sensitivity)
(2) Weight loss
(3) Hypotension (LBP)
(4) Increase in immune system function (tendency towards autoimmune disease)
(5) Decreased negative feedback (hyperpigmentation)
What is Cushing disease?
Excess cortisol;
What is Addison’s disease?
Deficient cortisol
