Adrenal Steroids - Pharmacology Flashcards
Are the adrenal steroids stored intracellularly?
No, synthesis and release are closely related
What controls release of the glucocorticoids?
Serum concentrations of ACTH (adrenocorticotropin) which comes from the pituitary
What controls release of the principle mineralocorticoid, aldosterone?
angiotensin II
Which is the main androgenic steroid released by the adrenal cortex?
DHEA (Dehydroepiandosterone). Governed by ACTH.
CRH (Corticotropin Releasing Hormone) influences the pituitary gland to release ACTH. What modulates the rate of release (negative feedback)?
Serum concentrations of glucocorticoids
What causes the pathology of Cushing’s Disease?
The inability of elevated serum levels of glucocorticoids to depress ACTH release (no negative feedback)
What causes CRH release?
- Sleep
- Cold exposure
- Pain
- Emotions
- Hemorrhage
- Exercise
- Hypoglycemia
- Infections
- Trauma
- Toxins
Why does sleep release CRH?
Because you are fasting. Glucocorticoids put glucose in the blood.
When do cortisol levels peak?
As you wake up. 8:00am
How does cortisol affect depression?
Emotions - too much cortisol and you lose negative feedback in depression
CRH causes ACTH release which causes the adrenal gland to release cortisol. What inhibits ACTH and CRH?
Cortisol (negative feedback)
