Adrenocortical Hormones Flashcards
What type of hormone is cortisol?
Steroid Hormone
Where is cortisol produced?
Adrenal Gland (Zona Fasciculata)
Cortisol is an example of a …
… glucocorticoid/corticosteroid
Glucose Metabolism
Cortisol production is dependent on …
… adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
What are the steps of cortisol production?
Synthesis of cholesterol
Mitochondrial Conversion
Smooth ER
Which receptors does cortisol bind to?
Glucocorticoid Receptors (GRs)
Most cells have a GR
How is cortisol transported?
90% bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG)
3% free in the plasma
Another name for cortisol bound to CBG is …
… transcortin
Which cortisol can enter the cell?
Free cortisol
In which condition does total cortisol and CBG increase?
During pregnancy
Note free cortisol does not increase. The patient shouldn’t show signs of high cortisol
What are the effects of cortisol?
Glucose and overall metabolism
Immune system
Cognition
Bone formation
Fetal Development
What are the metabolic effects of cortisol?
Increases energy-generating substances
What are some energy-generating substances which cortisol can generate?
Glucose
Glycerol
Amino-acids
How does cortisol increase serum glucose?
Increases Gluconeogenesis
Decreases Glycogen Formation
Reduces Glucose Uptake
Decreases Insulin Secretion
Increases Glucagon Secretion
How is glycerol generated?
Increased lipolysis
How are amino acids generated?
Increased proteolysis
In addition to increasing glycerol, glucose and amino acids in blood, cortisol also decreases …
… protein synthesis and peripheral amino acid uptake
What is Cushing Syndrome?
High cortisol level
What are the effects of Cushing Syndrome?
Person develops insulin-resistant diabetes
Cortisol can upregulate the number of ____ receptors on arterioles
____ vasoconstricting α1 ____
How can vasopressin increase blood pressure?
Cortisol activates mineralocorticoid receptors
Increases sodium reabsorption and blood volume
Does MR have a higher affinity for cortisol or aldosterone?
Same affinity