Corticosteroids Flashcards
local cortical hormones in the blood leads to what two things?
stimulates the hypothalamus to secrete more CRH and stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce more ACTH
what does a stimulated anterior pituitary producing more ACTH lead to?
leads to more ACTH secretion which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortical hormones
what does releasing cortical hormones lead to? two downstream effects of this?
increase of cortical hormones in the blood which inhibits the hypothalamus (little CRH released) and the anterior pituitary is inhibited
with less ACTH being secreted what is inhibited and ultimately leads to what?
leads to inhibition of adrenal cortex and ultimately leads to low cortical hormones in the blood
3 layers of the adrenal cortex from outermost to innermost?
zona glomerulosa
zona fasiculata
zona reticularis
3 layers of the adrenal cortex (outer to inner) and their products?
glomerulosa: mineralcorticoids (aldosterone)
fasiculata: glucocorticoids (cortisol)
reticularis: sex steroids (DHEA, T, E, Pg)
glucocorticoids helps regulate what?
metabolism of proteins, CHO and lipids
promote gluconeogenesis in the liver which leads to increased blood sugar levels
precursor of all steroid hormones?
progesterone
where is cortisol synthesized from?
progesterone
what is the main hormone secreted by the adrenals?
cortisol
in what two circumstances is cortisol released?
in response to stress & when serum glucose levels drop
two ways cortisol increases blood sugar levels?
gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis
name for cortisol when it is prescribed?
hydrocortisone
how does cortisol affect insulin?
counteracts insulin and leads to hyperglycemia and ultimately leads to insulin resistance
how do glucocorticoids affect the immune system and its cells specifically?
causes increase in # of circulating PMNs
decrease circulating lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and MOs
how do glucocorticoids affect prostaglandins and leukotrienes?
decrease both and lead to lower levels of inflammation
b/c of glucocorticoids effects on WBCs what condition can they be useful in treating?
leukemia b/c help decrease the overall count
also increase Hgb and RBC counts
7 indications for glucocorticoid use?
inflammatory or allergic conditions reactive airway dz allergies arthritis AI conditions replacement tx for Addison's dz
glucocorticoid effects on immature bone cells? effects with high doses on mature bone cells?
immature: essential for differentiation
mature: increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation
glucocorticoid effects on immature cartilage cells? effects with high doses on mature cartilage cells?
immature: essential for differentiation
mature: reduced collage and proteoglycan synth, reduced proliferation
glucocorticoid effects on immature muscle cells? effects with high doses on mature muscle cells?
immature: early differentiation
mature: increased proteolysis, atrophy, decrease in GF expression
glucocorticoid effects on immature synovium/skin cells? effects with high doses on mature synovium/skin cells?
immature: not essential for differentiation
mature: decreased inflam signaling, reduced collagen synth, reduced proliferation
glucocorticoid effects on immature adipose cells? effects with high doses on mature adipose cells?
immature: differentiation
mature: increased lipoprotein lipase activity, hypertrophy
what can inhaled steroids be used to tx?
asthma but also for pts w/emphysema and chronic bronchitis
why are inhaled steroids preferred over oral for airway conditions?
b/c lowered SEs and enhanced effectiveness
when using topical steroids, with pts w/dry skin what is a better vehicle to use? with oily skin or seborreha?
dry skin: do better w/ointments or pastes
oily/seborrhea: creams, lotions or shake lotions