Corticosteroids Flashcards
Name a disease which occurs when circulating levels of steroids is too high
Cushing’s disease
Name a disease which occurs when circulating levels of steroids is too low
Addison’s disease
Describe the HPA axis
- Stress and circadian rhythm influences hypothalamus
- CRH from hypothalamus signals pituitary
- ACTH produced which signals adrenals to produce cortisol
- Cortisol has tissue actions
- Cortisol levels provide negative feedback at pituitary and hypothalamic levels
Name 2 main types of steroids
- Glucocorticoids
2. Mineralocorticoids
What is an example of a glucocorticoid?
Hydrocortisone
What is an example of a mineralocorticoid?
Aldosterone
Give an overview of the function of mineralocorticoids
- Bind to mineralocorticoid receptor expressed in kidney and epithelial cells of colon and bladder
- Regulate electrolyte balance
Describe 2 physiological outcomes caused by mineralocorticoids
- Increased sodium reabsorption in DCT
2. Increased potassium and hydrogen excretion
Where are steroid hormone receptors found in the cell?
Cytosol
How do activated glucocorticoid receptors identify target genes in the nucleus?
GC receptor dimers bind to specific hormone response elements (HREs) on target genes
Name 3 actions of glucocorticoids and drugs used for these purposes
- Metabolic (hydrocortisone)
- Anti-inflammatory (prednisolone)
- Immunosuppressive (dexamethasone)
What is the function of the metabolic effects of glucocorticoids?
Protecting glucose dependent tissues from starvation
Describe how metabolic effects of glucocorticoids affect the liver
- Decrease glucose uptake
- Decrease glucose utilization
- Increase gluconeogenesis
Describe how metabolic effects of glucocorticoids affect muscle
- Decreased protein synthesis
- Increase protein breakdown
Name 4 clinical uses of glucocorticoids
- Replacement therapy for Addison’s disease
- Anti-inflammatory
- Autoimmune disease
- Transplant patients