ENDOCRINE: ADRENAL

Question 1

ACTH BLOOD TEST

1. ACTH produced where?
2. What gland does it affect?
3. Result

Answer 1

ACTH blood test

The ACTH test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood. ACTH is a hormone released from the pituitary gland in the brain.

The main function of ACTH is to regulate the steroid hormone cortisol. Cortisol is released by the adrenal gland. It regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.

This test can help find the causes of certain hormone problems.

Question 2

Pheochromocytoma

1. What causes this condition?
2. Where does it occur and what is the result?
3. How to tx?

Answer 2

1. Tumor in the medulla of the adrenal gland this is where epinephrine are norepinephrine are produced
2. ABD pain, tachy cardia, increase BP, tremor
3. Phenoxybenzamine (preferred alpha blocker)

Question 3

Catecholamines

What are they?

Name Three?

Answer 3

Catecholamines are hormones made by the adrenal glands. These glands are on top of the kidneys. The main catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (which used to be called adrenalin).

Catecholamines are more often measured with a urine test than with a blood test.