Endocrine: Hyper and hypoadrenocorticism, adrenal tumors Flashcards
Name 4 stimulators of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) release
Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNFalpha), leptin, dopamine, angiotensin II
What is the precursor molecule to ACTH?
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)
Synthesis of most adrenal steroids is mediated by what enzymes?
Cytochrome P450 oxygenase enzymes
Where in the adrenal gland are mineralocorticoids formed?
Outer zona glomerulosa
Where in the adrenal gland are glucocorticoids formed?
The middle zona fasciculata and the inner zona reticularis
What enzyme is deficient in the outer zona glomerulosa, causing this region to be unable to synthesize glucocorticoids?
17-alpha-hydroxylase
80-85% of dogs with HAC have what form of the disease?
PDH
Where in the pituitary gland do tumors causing PDH arise?
70% - Pars distalis
30% - Pars intermedia
Ectopic ACTH secretion can occur from what tissues?
Carcinomas - small cell lung carcinoma most common in humans, pancreatic carcinoma described in a GSD
What are the effects of glucocorticoids on protein and lipid metabolism?
Protein catabolic, lipolytic
Why do glucocorticoids lead to polyuria?
- Increased GFR
- Inhibition of ADH at the renal tubular level, leading to a decrease in water reabsorption
Why do glucocorticoids lead to panting?
- Decreased pulmonary compliance
- Respiratory muscle weakness
- Direct effects of cortisol on the respiratory center
What cranial nerve can be affected by HAC?
Unilateral or bilateral facial nerve paralysis can occur
Describe Cushing’s pseudomyotonia
A myopathy characterized by persistent, active muscle contraction after cessation of voluntary effort - usually affects the pelvic limbs and causes a stiff gait
How is Cushing’s pseudomyotonia diagnosed?
- Electromyography - myotonic, bizarre and high frequency discharges are noted
- Biopsy: non-inflammatory, degenerative myopathy
Describe how calcinosis cutis forms
Cortisol leads to the rearrangement of molecular protein structures and formation of an organic matrix that attracts and binds calcium, forming apatite crystals in the skin
What are the effects of HAC in intact dogs? Why?
- Testicular atrophy and anestrus
- Cortisol’s negative feedback to the pituitary gland leads to decreased synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH
Describe why a stress leukogram forms
- Lymphopenia due to steroid lympholysis
- Eosinopenia due to bone marrow sequestration
- Neutrophilia/monocytosis due to steroid-enhanced capillary demargination
How do glucocorticoids lead to hyperglycemia?
- Increase hepatic gluconeogenesis
- Interfere with insulin at the cellular level (receptor defects)
- Suppress gene expression of insulin signal molecules in the cell (post-receptor defects)
A pituitary tumor of what size is considered a macroadenoma?
> 1cm
What is the sensitivity and specificity of UCCR? What is it useful for?
- Sensitivity is nearly 100%, but specificity is terrible (20-77%)
- Great for ruling OUT HAC (normal result makes HAC very unlikely), but further testing is warranted if it is normal
To avoid the effects of stress, when should a UCCR be collected?
At home, at least 2 days after a vet visit or other stressful event
What is the test of choice for identifying iatrogenic Cushing’s? What would the result look like?
ACTH stimulation test - there would be no response (stimulation) to ACTH, resulting in a low concentration of cortisol pre and post
Dogs with naturally occurring HAC may have what response to an ACTH stimulation test?
A normal or exaggerated response
What is the sensitivity and specificity of an ACTH stimulation test for diagnosing HAC?
- Sensitivity: 85% for PDH but only 60% for FAT
- Specificity: 90%
What is the sensitivity and specificity of LDDST for diagnosing HAC?
Sensitivity 90-95%
Specificity as low as 40-50% in populations with non-adrenal illness - do no test ill dogs and do not diagnose based solely on LDDST
What drug can interfere with a LDDST?
Phenobarbital
What pattern on a LDDST is consistent with PDH? How often does this occur?
- A “V” pattern - suppression at 4 hours with a higher cortisol concentration at 8 hours confirms PDH
- Serum cortisol concentration at 4 or 8 hours that has decreased to <50% of baseline but is still >1mcg/dL is also most likely PDH
- 65% of dogs with PDH will have one of these findings
How can the HDDST be used to discriminate PDH from FAT?
High doses of dexamethasone can overcome resistance to suppression in most PDH cases, but FAT cases will still fail to suppress
- If cortisol drops to <1.4, it’s diagnostic for PDH
- BUT 35% of PDH will still fail to suppress, so failure to suppress is not diagnostic for FAT
What is a potential side effect of both trilostane and mitotane on the pituitary gland?
Both decrease plasma cortisol => increased ACTH secretion, which can enhance pituitary tumor growth
What is the mechanism of action of trilostane?
- Synthetic steroid analogue
- Acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-beta-HSD), which catalyzes the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone
- Blocks synthesis of cortisol and to a lesser extent aldosterone
When monitoring trilostane therapy, what time should an ACTH stimulation test be performed?
Peak: 2-3 hours post-pill
Trough: just before the next dose
Should mitotane be given with or without food?
With - fat soluble drug