Adrenal Glands

Question 1

Mineralcorticoids/Aldosterone (adrenal cortex)

Answer 1

Released in response to renin from kidneys (in response to decreased BP or sodium or elevated potassium)
Stimulates sodium/water reabsorption and potassium secretion

Increase potassium stimulates release, decreased potassium inhibits

Question 2

Epinephrine (adrenal cortex)

Answer 2

Increase glucose levels

Question 3

Adrenaline (medulla)

Answer 3

Increases blood glucose levels and stimulates release of ACTH which causes cortex to release glucocorticoids, increases rate and force of heart contractions, constricts blood vessels in skin/mucous membranes/kidneys, dilated vessels in skeletal muscle/heart/pulmonary arteries

Question 4

Noradrenaline (medulla)

Answer 4

Increases rate and force of cardiac contraction, vasoconstricts vessels throughout body

Question 5

Glucocorticoids- cortisol/cortisone (adrenal cortex)

Answer 5

Synthesised in cortex and under control of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Regulate glucose in body tissues, mobilise fatty acids from fatty tissue and shift energy source from glucose to fat

Anti inflammatory (inhibits release of inflammatory enzymes), immunosuppressive (cause atrophy of thymus and decrease lymphocytes as well as interfering with T&B cell action in allergic response), metabolic -decreases glucose uptake (affects BGL so test if on pred) and increase gluconeogenesis, decreases calcium absorption in GI and increase urine secretion, increase vasoconstriction properties of catecholamines, increase use of fats for energy, affect mood and behaviour with neuronal excitability

Released in response to stress
Excess depresses the immune system

Cortisol suppress immune system by reducing antibodies and leukocytes- adrenaline releasing and reduces blood flow to lymph nodes which reduces lymphocyte maturation

Drugs- hydrocortisone (short acting), prednisone (intermediate acting), betamethasone and dexamethasone (long acting)

Mineralcorticoids (primary aldosterone)- blood volume, retention of sodium/water, urinary excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions. Synthesised in cortex under control of ACTH and renin-angio system. Regulated by renin-angio system and circulating potassium levels

Drugs- fludrocortisone, aldosterone
Androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone), metabolic precursor to sex hormones

Relies on circadian (high levels midnight-early morning) and ultradian rhythms

Transported bound to albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin