Adrenals Flashcards
What do the adrenal glands, gonads and kidney all have in common
Same embryological origin
3 zones of the adrenal
Zona glomerulosa
Zona fasciculata
Zona reticularis
How do adrenal glands differ
Right= pyramid= top hat Left= flat cap
In which direction does blood flow through the adrenals
Capule–> Medulla
3 main major stresses that an organ as to deal with
Starvation
Infection
Severe volume loss
What stimulates release of aldosterone
Low BP
Potassium
Result of hyperaldosterone
High BP
Low potassium
Alkalosis
What activates renin production
Haemorrhage
Sodium loss
Upright posture
Reduced renal perfusion
Where is the mineralocorticoid receptor
In the nucleus
Does coritoson activate the mineralocoritoid receptor
No
What happens when alodsterone binds to MR in the principal cell
Upregulates EnAc channel so sodium is being absorbed and potassium is excreted.
What happens when aldosterone binds to MR in the intercalated cell
Activate Na/K+ pump, H+ ATPase and K+/H+ bump
Allows metabolic alkalosis
What is conns syndrom
- Hypertension, suppressed plasma renin activity, increased aldosterone secretion
What can cause conns syndrome
Aldosterone producing adenoma
Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
How is diagnosis on conns syndrome seen?
- Aldosterone: Renin ratio
- Saline suppression test
- CT adrenal
- Adrenal venous sampling
- Metomidate PET
