Adrenal Gland Flashcards
What is the adrenal cortex under control of?
The anterior pituitary
Which groups of hormones are secreted from the adrenal cortex?
Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
Androgens (testosterone)
Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
What hormones does the adrenal medulla secrete?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
What are the most common causes of hypersecretion of the adrenal cortex?
Cortical tumor or hyperplasia of adrenal cortex -> excessive cortisol and decrease ACTH
Ectopic ACTH secretory tumor
Tumor or hyperplasia in the anterior pituitary leading to excess ACTH
What does the secretion of cortisol inhibit?
ACTH secretion from anterior pituitary
True or false: groups of cells in anterior pituitary are responsible for secreting ONE hormone
True
What is the most common cortical hypersecretion disease?
Cushings
What hormone is being hyper secreted in cushing’s?
Cortisol
What are the actions of cortisol?
Steroid Anti inflammatory Increase protein breakdown Increase mobilization of fatty acids Stimulates gluconeogenesis
What occurs in Cushing’s syndrome?
Protein catabolism -> weak muscles
Lipid deposition in face & shoulders (Buffalo hump)
Gluconeogenesis which is not metabolized and hyperglycaemia occurs
What occurs with prolonged hyperglycaemia?
Insulin resistance
Impaired glucose tolerance
What is an odd result to occur in Cushing’s syndrome?
HTN and hypokalemia as persistently increase cortisol has a mineralocorticoid feature (aldosterone which secretes potassium at the level of the kidneys & sodium and water retention)
What happens to the immune response of someone with cushing’s?
The immune response will be suppressed and individual will be more susceptible to infections
What is something that SOMETIMES occurs in Cushing’s and is more of a concern for females rather than males?
Androgen hypersecretion leading to excess testosterone. If it occurs in females they gain secondary sex characteristics of males
What is the treatment for Cushing’s?
Excise tumor if it is a tumor
Irradiate pituitary
Drugs for ectopic tumor (to suppress hormone release)
Adrenalectomy
What is hypersecreted in conn syndrome?
Mineralocorticoid (aldosterone)
Is conn syndrome common?
Not at all
What causes conn syndrome?
Cortical adenine
Idiopathic cortical hyperplasia
Renin secreting time in kidney (RAAS activated -> excessive aldosterone)
What are the manifestations of conn syndrome?
HTN due to excessive aldosterone
Hypokalemia and alkalosis because aldosterone excretes potassium and hydrogen ions
What is the treatment for conn syndrome?
Adrenalectomy for adenoma (unilateral usually)
Drugs for hyperplasia (aldosterone receptor antagonist)
Sodium restriction
In most endocrine disorders involving the adrenal glands, which part of the adrenal gland is most commonly affected?
Cortex
What is Addison’s disease?
Primary deficiency of the adrenal cortex
In Addison’s disease, which groups of hormones are affected?
All 3 types (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens)
Is Addison’s disease common?
No
