Adrenal Gland Physiology

Question 1

cortisol has a paracrine effect on the adrenal medulla and stimulates the synthesis and activity of ______ thus increasing the production of epinephrine from norepinephrine.

Answer 1

phenyl-N-methyl Transferase (PNMT)

Question 2

what are the actions of ACTH

Answer 2

In the cortex, ACTH leads to elevated cAMP levels, which in turn increase the rate
of synthesis of pregnenolone. LDL uptake is also enhanced, as is hydrolysis of stored
cholesterol esters and transport of cholesterol into mitochondria

Question 3

What is Addison’s disease

Answer 3

This rare condition results from an infectious
process (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal disorders, autoimmune response) that wipes out the entire
adrenal cortex

Question 4

what are the symptoms of addison’s disease?

Answer 4

weakness, weight loss, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, GI

problems

Question 5

Elevated ACTH in addisons can cause ______

Answer 5

hyperpigmentation

Question 6

what can cause Hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 6

tumor of the adrenal cortex (primary) or inappropriately high activity of the renin-angiotensin system

Question 7

what are the symptoms of hyperaldosteronism

Answer 7

hypertension in the case of primary hyperaldosteronism, hypokalemia, and alkalosis

Question 8

what is Congenital adrenal hyperplasia:

Answer 8

Congenital defects in the 21-hydroxylase or 11β-
hydroxylase pathways of steroidogenesis decrease the synthesis of adrenal corticoids so that
the negative feedback pathway controlling ACTH release is defective. The resultant
increased ACTH stimulates steroidogenesis and precursors accumulate as well as hormones
whose synthesis is not affected (e.g. adrenal androgens in some cases).

Question 9

In females, a common

symptom of Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is _____

Answer 9

masculinization.

Question 10

The rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine in
chromaffin cells is ______

Answer 10

tyrosine hydroxylase, a cytosolic enzyme

Question 11

β-adrenergic receptors stimulate _____ and thus ____ is the second messenger that mediates their effects.

Answer 11

adenylate cyclase,

cAMP

Question 12

The α2-adrenergic receptor is coupled to the G-protein _____ and inhibits ______ production.

Answer 12

Gi,

cAMP

Question 13

α1 adrenergic receptors activate the ______

signaling pathway.

Answer 13

Phospholipase C

Question 14

The final common pathway in epinephrine secretion is the activation of the cholinergic fibers in the ______

Answer 14

greater splanchnic nerve.