Adrenal Cortex Hormones HW Questions Flashcards
The adrenal medulla is derived from embryonic _______________ cells
neural crest
The adrenal medulla is considered a displaced _____________ ganglion
sympathetic
ACTH stimulates synthesis and secretion of these adrenal cortices EXCEPT:
A) zona glomerulosa
B) zona fasciculata
C) zona reticularis
A) zona glomerulosa
Which adrenal cortex zone produces androgens?
zona reticularis
Which adrenal hormone secretion is controlled by Ang II and high serum potassium?
aldosterone
Which type of adrenal cortex hormone is cortisol?
glucocorticoid
What is the function of aldosterone?
stimulate the kidneys to reabsorb sodium
The adrenal cortex can only synthesize about _______ of the cholesterol need to make their steroid hormones
20%
Excessive aldosterone can cause __________________
hypokalemia
What is the role of ACTH and ang II in the production of adrenal cortex hormone?
increase number of LDL receptors on adrenal cortex cell membranes
Cortisol possesses primarily glucocorticoid activity but also has some slight _________________ activity
mineralocorticoid
What is cortisol bound to in circulation?
transcortin
What is the circadian secretory rhythm of cortisol?
first couple of hours in the morning
What is the primary metabolic effect of cortisol?
gluconeogenesis
How does cortisol stimulate the liver to produce glucose and store glycogen?
mobilizes FAs and proteins and increases required enzymes
How does cortisol affect skeletal muscle uptake of glucose?
reduces sensitivity to insulin
What conditions lead to adrenal diabetes?
excessive secretion of cortisol
Why is cortisol considered ketogenic?
promotes use of FAs for energy production
How does excessive secretion of cortisol affect fat distribution?
causes redistribution of fat to the abdomen and trunk
How does cortisol affect protein metabolism?
decreases protein synthesis while increasing protein catabolism
How does cortisol effect intracellular storage of proteins?
reduces storage
How does cortisol effect transport of AAs into the liver?
enhances uptake
How does chronic high levels of cortisol cause muscle weakness?
decreases AA uptake while stimulating muscle protein breakdown
What does long term exposure to high levels of cortisol do to neurons in the hippocampus?
kills them
Why is the hippocampus so sensitive to cortisol?
because it has so many receptors
How does cortisol effect inflammation?
blocks it, may even reverses it
How does high levels of cortisol affect the negative feedback system?
inhibits CRH and ACTH release
What type of sensory stimuli can override the cortisol negative feedback mechanism?
pain and stress
What is Addison’s disease?
hypo-secretion of cortisol and aldosterone
How does Addison’s disease effect the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland?
it doesn’t
What causes adrenal cortex atrophy associated with Addison’s disease?
autoimmunity
How does Addison’s disease affect blood glucose levels?
causes hypoglycemia
What affect does Addison’s disease have on the immune system?
cause an over-active immune system
How does Addison’s disease affect the blood conc. of sodium and potassium?
causes hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
How does chronic low blood volume caused by Addison’s disease effect BP?
causes low BP
Why does a person with Addison’s disease develop a copper color tone to their skin?
hyper-secretion of ACTH
How does ACTH effect melanocyte production?
ACTH contains the melanocyte stimulating hormone in its chain
Why does Addison’s disease cause hyper-secretion of ACTH?
low levels of adrenal cortical hormones stimulated the negative feedback system
What causes Cushing’s syndrome?
hypersecretion of cortisol and androgens
What causes the hyperadrenalism associated with Cushing’s syndrome?
hyper-secretion of CRH or ACTH or long term prescription cortisol use
How does cushing’s syndrome affects blood glucose levels?
causes hyperglycemia
How does Cushing’s syndrome affect skeletal muscle?
causes muscle weakness due to decreased protein synthesis
How does cushing’s syndrome cause purple striae?
decreased collagen
How does cushing’s syndrome cause osteoporosis?
decreased collagen
What is the buffalo hump associated with cushing’s syndrome?
fat pad over the area of the vertebral prominence
What causes the moon face associated with cushing’s syndrome?
edema
How does hypersecretion of cortisol with cushing’s syndrome cause high BP?
mineralcorticoid effects
How does hypersecretion of androgens affect facial hair on women?
causes hirsutism
How does hypersecretion of androgens with cushing’s syndrome affect the female menstrual cycle?
causes irregularity
