Adrenal Gland Flashcards
From what germ layer is the adrenal cortex derived?
Mesoderm
From what tissue does the adrenal medulla arise?
Neuroectoderm
What is secreted by the zona glomerulosa?
Mineralocorticoids- aldosterone
What is secreted by the zona fasciculata?
Glucocorticoids- cortisol
What is secreted by the zona reticularis?
Sex steroids- progestins, estrogens, androgens
What is the most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome?
Exogenous administration of glucocorticoids (corticosteroids)
What is Cushing’s disease?
Subset of Cushing’s syndrome:
Hypercortisolism caused by primary hypothalamic pituitary disease associated with hypersecretion of ACTH.
What is the most common cause of Cushing’s disease?
Pituitary adenoma leading to excess secretion of ACTH
Most of the time, are adrenal adenomas functional or non-functional?
Non-Functional!
If they are functional, they produce the mineralocorticoids or glucocorticoids
Generally, functional carcinomas or hyperplasia leads to secretion of sex hormones
What is Conn Syndrome?
Aldosterone producing adenoma of the adrenal gland
What is the most common cause of hyperaldosteronism?
Bilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism- nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal glands
What are the clinical manifestations of hyperaldosteronism?
Hypertension and hypokalemia
Describe the pathology of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
AR enzyme deficiency in the synthesis of cortisol leads to excess ACTH and consequently adrenal hyperplasia. Excess precursors build up and this leads to increased production of androgens.
Which is the most common enzyme deficiency leading to congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
21 hydroxylase
Why must withdrawal from corticosteroid therapy be tapered?
Acute withdrawal can lead to adrenal insufficiency