Adrenals

Question 1

What are the adrenals

Answer 1

glands that produce and release steroid molecules
secretion controlled by ACTH (from ant pit)
angiotensin causes secretion of aldosterone

Question 2

What are the physiologic effects of the adrenal hormones

Answer 2

regulate metabolism 
CV function 
growth 
immunity 
synthesis and secretion tightly regulated by CNS

Question 3

What is the HPA axis

Answer 3

Hypothalamus (send CRH) to anterior Pituitary (sends ACTH) to Adrenal cortex (releases cortisol)

Question 4

What is the circadian rhythm of cortisol

Answer 4

Peak in early AM and after meals (esp. lunch)

regulated by pulses of ACTH

Question 5

What is corticosteroid binding globulin

Answer 5

binds 90% of cortisol normally (more bound in pregnancy, estrogen administration, and hyperthyroidism) (less bound in hypothyroidism and protein deficient state)
*Dexamethasone (synthetic corticosteroid) binds albumin rather than CBG