Adrenal gland

Question 1

Half life of cortisol

Answer 1

2hrs horses
1.5 hrs in dogs
less in cats

Question 2

Samples for cortisol

Answer 2

Serum or EDTA (best)
Ship on ice to keep cool

Question 3

Measuring endogenous ACTH

Answer 3

EDTA plasma and add protease inhibitor (aprotinin)
Remove plasma and put in plastic tube

Question 4

Hypercortisolemia

Answer 4

-Spontaneous conditions:
PDH
FAN
Stress induced
-Iatrogenic

Question 5

Pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism

Answer 5

Increased release of ACTH and there is adrenocortical hyperplasia usually due to pituitary adenoma

Question 6

Functional adrenocortical neoplasia

Answer 6

Neoplastic cells produce cortisol

Question 7

Why are spontaneous conditions usually WRI for cortisol

Answer 7

Could be episodic exaggerated release or small continued release

Question 8

Hypocortisolemia

Answer 8

-Spontaneous:
Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s)
-Iatrogenic

Question 9

Addisons

Answer 9

Bilateral hypoplasia or atrophy reduces cortisol

Question 10

Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism

Answer 10

-Steroid therapy leads to hypoplasia and if you stop without weaning them off they will be deficient
-Treatment for Cushings can lead to adrenocortical necrosis