Adrenal Cortex- Hormones, Physiology Flashcards
What are steroids made of?
Cholesterol from diet, or synthesised within gland
In Zona glomerulosa which enzyme is not present ?
17 alpha hydroxylase so can’t make cortisol and androgens
Androgens are synthesised where?
Zona reticularis
Cortisol is made where?
Zona fasciculata
Secretion of ACTH is … and peak is?
Pulsation
Peak early morning
Low in the middle of night.
After how many hours is cortisol peak after ACTH?
2
Zona glomerulosa makes?
Only aldosterone
What % of cortisol is bound by corticosteroid binding globulin?
75%
Pregnancy is associated with?
High levels of corticosteroids binding globulin hence an increase in circulation plasma cortisol
What % of cortisol is bound to albumin?
15
How do glucocorticoids work?
Alter gene expression
Cortisol opposes?
Insulin
Cortisol stimulates?
Lipolysis and mobilisation of fatty acid, potentiating effects of growth hormone and catecholamines
Excess cortisol?
Deposition of fat in novel anatomical sites
In liver cortisol?
Amino acid uptake, gluconeogenesis
Excess cortisol is an enhanced?
Vasoconstrictor
Glucocorticoids can cause in brain?
Elation or sedation
Glucocorticoids affect body’s defence system how?
Suppress lymphoid tissue, reduce antibody production and inhibit cellular immune system, stabilise leukocyte membranes and reduce release of proteolytic enzymes
Inhibit phospholipase a2 and reduce synthesis of inflammatory mediators
Antibodies do what to foreign proteins?
Inactivates
Tissue repair is enhanced by?
Prostaglandins
Cortisol physiological effects?
Release of amino acids from muscle causing:
- Increase lipolysis
- Increase glycogenolysis
- Increase glucose
- Increase blood pressure
- Direct effects on brain and local effects on pain
ACTH stimulates conversion of ?
Cholesterol to pregnenolone leading to formation of aldosterone
Secretion of aldosterone is stimulated by?
Trauma, anxiety hyperkalaemia and hyponatraemia and inhibited by ANP