Adrenal Glands Flashcards
1
Q
glucocorticoids are regulated by…
A
- hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis
- hypothalamus: CRH
- anterior pituitary: ACTH (pulsatile secretion)
- adrenal cx: cortisol (mostly bound to cortisol-binding globulin, some bound to albumin)
2
Q
mineralocorticoids are regulated by…
A
- renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
- go over on slide 55!
3
Q
zones of the capsule of the adrenal gland (see slide 55)
A
- zona glomerulosa (most superficial): mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
- zona fasciculata: glucocorticoids like cortisol
- zona reticularis: androgens like DHEA
- remember the cx is glandular tissue!
- beneath the cx, there is the medulla, which is nervous tissue that secretes epinephrine
4
Q
what does normal sexual differentiation depend on?
A
timing and balance of fetal cortisol and androgen secretion
5
Q
what are the 4 basic systems that control stress and disease processes?
A
- CNS
- PNS (mostly ANS)
- endocrine system
- immune system
6
Q
what does aldosterone stimulate?
A
- sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the DCT of the kidney
- may enhance sodium reabsorption in the PCT, intestinal mucosa, salivary glands, and sweat glands
7
Q
review pics on left slide of slide 56!!
A
YES
8
Q
where is aldosterone synthesized?
A
- cells in the zona glomerulosa
- stimulated by angiotensin II, a little bit by ACTH, and increased extracellular potassium
- aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid
- action on renal tubular cells
- too much cortisol or glucocorticoid drugs can have mineralocorticoid activity
9
Q
what does spironolactone do?
A
- blocks mineralocorticoid receptor in the nucleus, so aldosterone (in this case) can’t exhibit its effects
- GO THROUGH ALDOSTERONE CASCADE ON SLIDE 56
- essentially, increases potassium channels (potassium flows out of cell), sodium channels (reabsorb sodium), and Na/K pumps in the renal tubular cells
- overall serves to increase blood pressure
