Adrenal Pharmacology (Exam 1) Flashcards
In order for corticosteroids to be released from the adrenal cortex, the hypothalamus releases _____, which stimulates the ant. pituitary to release _____, which stimulates the adrenal cortex.
CRF
ACTH
Corticosteroids refers to?
Steroids made by the adrenal cortex -> mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids
Function of glucocorticoids?
metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive
Function of mineralocorticoids?
Peripheral actions on salt and water metabolism
What are the zones of the adrenal cortex and what hormones does each produce?
Glomerulosa - Aldosterone
Fasiculata - Cortisol
Reticularis - DHEA
Where do glucocorticoids provide negative feedback?
At the ant pituitary on ACTH release
At the hypothalamus on CRF release
What hormone released by the zona fasiculata is a glucocorticoid?
Cortisol
Chronic use of GCs can cause?
Adrenal atrophy due to suppression of the HPA axis.
Insufficient adrenal response to environmental stressors known as adrenal crisis is treated with?
Supplemental GCs
Secretion or cortisol peaks when?
Early AM and evening
Cortisol in the blood is bound by _____.
Cortisol binding globulin (CBGs)
T/F? Only free cortisol is active?
True
T1/2 of cortisol?
60-90 minutes
Cortisol actions on muscle cells?
Decrease glucose uptake
Increase protein breakdown
Overall - Muscle wasting
Cortisol actions on fat cells?
Decrease glucose uptake
Increase fat breakdown peripherally.
Decrease fat breakdown centripetally.
Cortisol actions on liver cells?
Gluconeogenesis leading to hyperglycemia
Permissive effects of glucocorticoids?
Vasoconstrictor
Fat cell lipolytic response to epi, ACTH, GH
Normal cardiac output
What hormone released by the adrenal cortex is a mineralocorticoid?
Aldosterone
Effects of aldosterone?
Na+ reabsorption at kidney leading to increased blood volume and BP
Excess aldosterone would cause what symptoms?
Hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis
T/F? Anti-inflammatory effects of GCs can be separated from immunosuppressive effects.
False
Addison’s disease is ____ adrenal insufficiency.
Primary