Endocrinology Flashcards
a.k.a suprarenal gland
Adrenal Gland
True or False. Adrenal Gland is a neuro-endocrine gland located below the kidney.
False. Adrenal gland is located ABOVE the Kidney ‘suprarenal’
Two kinds of Hormones produced by adrenal glands.
Steroid hormones - 90%
Neuropeptides - 10%
True or False.
Steroid Hormones (Inner Medulla)
Neuropeptides (Outer cortex)
False.
Steroid Hormones (Outer cortex)
Neuropeptides (Inner medulla)
Percent composition of adrenal cortex?
90%
Three Divisions of Cortex
Glumerulosa: salt (10%)
Fasiculata: sugar (75%)
Reticularis (15%)
Salt hormones are controlled by what division of cortex?
Glumerulosa (10%)
Fasciculata controls what horomones
Sugar hormones: Cortisol
True or False. Clinical manifestation of HYPERaldosteronism includes;
Hyperkalemia
Hypotension
Metabolic acidosis
False. Hyperaldosteronism
Hypokalemia
Hypertension
Metabolic alkalosis
Triad of Pheochromocytoma
Sweating (Diaphoresis)
Headache
Palpitation
Condition with increased Cortisol level
Cushing’s Syndrome
Increase of neuropeptides (Epinephrine/Norepinephrine)
Pheochromocytoma
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Cells proliferate but function of adrenal is loss. Characterized by Hirsutism/Virilization and inability to conceive (.
True or False. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is characterized of more FEMALE characteristics than female .
False. It is more of Male characteristics (Hirsutism)
Synthesizes ALDOSTERONE
Zona Glumerulosa
Function of Aldosterone
- Reabsorbed: Na+ Excreted: K+
- Acid base balance
- Regulation of blood pressure
True or False.
Aldosterone promotes retaining K+, excreting Na+
False.
Retaining sodium, excreting potassium
Produces glucocorticoids (ex. cortisol and cortisone) and androgen precursors (Dehydroepiandosterone [DHEA])
Zona Fasciculata (70-75%)
No. 1 Hormone to assess the adrenal cortex function
Cortisol
Take part on the production of SEX hormones (testosterone & progesterone) by producing the active DHEA-S.
Zona Reticularis
It can be converted to testosterone and progesterone.
Active DHEA-S
True or False:
ACTH - Aldosterone
Angiotensin II - Cortisol
False.
ACTH - cortisol
Angiotensin II - Aldosterone
It controls/regulates Cortex steroidogenesis.
ACTH
Angiotensin II
True or False. All adrenal hormones comes from FREE CHOLESTEROL.
True.
Released during low cortisol levels, stress and Circadian Signals.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH)
True or False. Conditions which CRH is not released except;
a. High Cortisol
b. Srtess
c. Circadian Signals
d. NOTA
A:
b. Stress
c. Circadian Signals
Circadian Rhythm of Cortisol (peak)
4 am - 8 am
Rate Limiting Step of Adrenal Gland
Conversion of Cholesterol to Pregnenolone by Cytochrome P450
True or False. Angiotensin II is released by HIGH blood pressure and volume
False. Stimulated by LOW blood pressure and volume
Triggers to release Aldosterone
Hyperkalemia
Angiotensin II
Converts angiotensin I to an active form of angiotensin, which is Angiotensin II
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)
Activates ANGIOTENSINOGEN
RENIN
True or False. Angiotensin I is more potent and active form that releases ALDOSTERONE
False. Angiotensin II
Functions of Angiotensin II
- Release Aldosterone
- Vasoconstriction
- Increase Blood Pressure and Volume
- Release ADH
Note: 1st two are major function
Identify what is responsible for conversion:
- Angiotensinogen-to-Angiotensin I
- Angiotensin I- to- Angiotensinogen II
A:
- Renin
- ACE
Percent composition of cortex that produces cortisol
70%
Primary activator in the production of cortisol
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Functions in Glucose metabolism during hypoglycemia which has ‘HYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT’
Cortisol
Which among the ff is the function of Cortisol?
a. Lipogenesis
b. Glycolysis
c. Glycogenolysis
d. NOTA
A: NOTA
Because Cortisol promotes;
Lipolysis
Gluconeogenesis
Glycogenesis
Arrange the ff in the mechanism of Cortisol production:
- F-zone release cortisol
- CRH activate pituitary to produce ACTH
- Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Organ Axis is stimulated to produce CRH from hypothalamus.
- ACTH act on F-zone
Answer:
- Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Organ Axis is stimulated to produce CRH from hypothalamus.
- CRH activate pituitary to produce ACTH
- ACTH act on F-zone
- F-zone release cortisol.
A condition occurs at birth due to increase number of cells but losing adrenal function due to absent or diminished enzyme activity involved in steroidogenesis
CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
Most common enzyme abnormality in Congenital Hyperplasia
21–Hydroxylase
Hormone used to detect/diagnose Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
17–hydroxyprogesterone
True or False. Enzyme abnormality of 21-Hydroxylase is INCREASED glucocorticoid and DECREASED adrenal androgen production
FALSE. Diminished activity of 21-hydroxylase leads to decrease glucocorticoid and increased adrenal androgen production
Primary Aldosteronism
Increased/Excessive production of Aldosterone Secretion that cannot be suppressed by salt or volume replacement (excessive retention of salt).
Inc Aldosterone = Inc Na
Most Common Causes of Primary Aldosteronism
Aldosterone Producing Adrenal Adenoma
Unilateral or Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia
Screening Considerations of Primary Aldosteronism
BP >160/100
Drug Resistant Hypertension
Hypokalemia with hypertension
Presence of Adrenal Mass
Family History of early Hypertension or stroke
First Degree Relatives with Primary Aldosteronism
True or False.
All antihypertensive may not be stopped during test
False. All antihypertensive may not be stopped during test, except: Spironolactone (Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist)
Antihypertensive drug which MUST be stopped during testing because it is a ALDOSTERONE RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST
Spirinolactone
Confirmatory test of Primary Aldosteronism
Oral Salt Loading/IV Saline Loading
Results from an Initial Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism
Plasma Aldosterone Concentration (PAC >15ng/dl)
Plasma Renin Activity (PRA >30)
True or False (Morse). Value of Plasma Aldosterone Concentration (should be lesser than 15ng/dl).
Plasma Renin Activity (PRA >30) to Diagnose Aldosteronism.
1st statement FALSE
2nd Statement TRUE
Ideal NaCl consumption
2 grams
NaCl consumption in Oral salt loading per day, usually 3 days
5000 mg (5 grams)
At what volume of Salt should consumed for 3 days?
15 g/15000 mg
True or False. In Oral Salt Loading with PA, Potassium is INCREASED to >200 g/meq, while, Urine aldosterone is DECREASED.
False. Urine SODIUM must be >200mEq and Urine Aldosterone is INCREASED to >12 micrograms/ 24Hour.
Rationale. Because normally, there should be a negative feedback which Aldosterone is stopped to release with the elevated Na already. But in PA, Aldosterone is consistently released.
IV saline method
Infuse 2L of NaCl (Normal saline) for 2 hours.
Test which would indicate if to undergo SURGERY or NOT
ADRENAL VENOUS SAMPLING
Aldosterone concentration secretion between 2 adrenal glands.
Ration: >4:1
Candidate for SURGERY
Aldosterone concentration secretion between 2 adrenal glands.
Ratio: 3:1 or less
NOT FOR SURGERY; Needs medical Management
Main adrenal hyperglycemic hormone
Cortisol
Used to measure adrenal insufficiency
Cortisol
Inadequate release of hormone in the adrenal cortex
Adrenal Insufficiency
Differentiate:
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
Tertiary Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary: Adrenal Gland is affected. Reduced Reduced Adrenal production with sufficient stimulation
Secondary: Pituitary Gland is Affected. Reduced Adrenal production with insufficient stimulation
Tertiary: Hypothalamus is affected which CRH is not produced
Most Common Cause of Adrenal Insufficiency
Autoimmune Destruction
True or False. Suggestive Diagnosis for Adrenal insufficiency.
Cortisol @ 8:00 am: HIGH
ACTH: LOW
False.
Cortisol @ 8:00 am: LOW
ACTH: ELEVATED
PRIMARY Adrenal Insufficiency Test
ACTH Stimulation Test
SECONDARY Adrenal Insufficiency Test
Metyrapone Suppression Test
What is the result of a Normal Patient undergone ACTH stimulation test.
A:
Excessive Production of Cortisol due to overstimulation
Expected result with PAI.
A: Low Cortisol level of < 18
True or False. Metyrapone Suppression Test is a test done at 8 am (Fasting), given IV with Cosyntropin (250 microgram) and measured after 30 mins, and 60 mins.
False. ACTH Stimulation Test
What condition is attributed with a Normal ACTH test, but Decreased in Metyrapone Suppression Test?
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
True or False. Metyrapone BLOCKS 11 hydroxylase to INCREASE 11-Deoxycortisol with SECONDARY Adrenal insufficiency
False.
Normal: Increase 11-Deoxycortisol
SAI: Decrease 11-Deoxycortisol
True or False.
Primary AI: Increase ACTH, decreased cortisol
Secondary AI: Cortisol and ACTH both decreased
True.
True or False. Cortisol MUST increase after Insulin consumption.
True. Cortisol is a “Hyperglycemic Agent” during hypoglycemia.
also known as the “Cushing’s Syndrome”
HYPERCORTISOLISM
Differentiate: Cushing’s Syndrome to Disease
Cushing’s disease means there is a tumor in the pituitary gland that produces excessive ACTH (ACTH-producing tumor). While, Cushing’s syndrome are downward metabolic activities or problem or tumor in the adrenal gland which produces cortisol
A tumor in the pituitary gland that produces excessive ACTH.
Cushing’s Disease
Complications in downward metabolic activities or problem or tumor in the adrenal gland which produces cortisol.
Cushing’s Syndrome
True or False. In Cushing’s diseases ACTH is elevated and Cortisol due to other causes
False. Cushing’s disease
presents an ACTH elevation form Pituitary Tumor.
Source of Elevated Cortisol and ACTH from Pituitary Tumors
Cushing’s Disease
Test for Cushing’s Syndrome
Dexamethasone Suppression Test
True or False.
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Cushing’s Syndrome: Metyrapone Suppression Test
False.
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Metyrapone Suppression Test
Cushing’s Syndrome: Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Fluid Intake >5L/day and urine volume >3L/day can lead to?
FALSE POSITIVE RESULT
What consition can lead to Pseudo-Cushing’s?
Depression and Alcoholism
Dexamethasone Suppression Test:
Dose
Time administered
Time of the Day Measured
Result
Dose: 1 mg
Time administered: 111:00 om - 12:00 am
Time of the Day Measured: 8:00 am
Result:
Negative: Normal (Suppression: Cortisol <1.8)
Positove: No Suppression (Elevated ACTH = Elevated Cortisol)
True or False. DEXAMETHASONE SUPRESSION TEST can evaluate whether it is Cushing’s SYNDROME or Cushing’s DISEASE
False. It cannot assess.
True or False. Late Night salivary Cortisol. Cortisol is greater or equal to the concentration in 8:00 am , present in CUSHING’S SYNDROME.
False. Concentration level of Cortisol is present in CUSHING’S DISEASE, due to neglect in diurnal or circadian variation.
True or False. Pseudo-Cushing’s STILL maintains diurnal variability.
True. Because there is no tumor, and only due to over reaction of Adrenal glands.
What TEST & what is measured to locate where ELEVATED CORTISOL is originated, whether from ADRENAL or Pituitary after doagnosing Hypercortisolism.
Immunoradiometric Assay (IRMA), that measures ACTH
Midnight Salivary Cortisol after Hypercortisolism is established and used IRMA:
Interpret:
>15 micrograms/dL
<5 micrograms/dL
> 15 micrograms/dL: Hypercortisolism is ACTH dependent (tumor in the pituitary gland; CUSHING’S DISEASE)
<5 micrograms/dL: ACTH independent (possible affected adrenal gland, CUSHING’S SYNDROME)
Differentiate Pituitary and Ectopic Source of ACTH; or which ELEVATED ACTH is originated whether from Pituitary or other sources.
High Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Difference of High Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test to Low dose?
A: It is administered with 8mg Dexamethasone given at 11PM that INITIALLY suppress the ACTH coming from PITUITARY ALONE.
Interpret the results from High Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test.
<5 micrograms/dl: _____________
<50% SUPRESSION: ____________
NO SUPPRESSION: ______________
<5 micrograms/dl: Normal
<50% SUPRESSION: ACTH from Pituitary
NO SUPPRESSION: Ectopic Source
Gold Standard for determining the source of ACTH production
INFERIOR PETROSAL SINUS SAMPLING
True or False. Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion: if ratio is <2:1 (With CRH) or <3:1 (Without CRH)
False. Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion: if ratio is >2:1 (Without CRH) or >3:1 (with CRH)
Byproduct of Cortisol Synthesis
Adrenal ANDROGENS
Composition of Adrenal Medulla
10%
Synthesizes Neuro-endocrine peptides that stimulate SYMPATHETIC response promoting flight or fight response.
Adrenal Medulla
Three classes of Catecholamines
Dopamine
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
First catecholamine produced
DOPAMINE
Last and most ACTIVE catecholamines produced
EPINEPHRINE
Two major enzymes involved in the INACTIVATION of catecholamines.
Catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) Monoamine oxidase (MAO)
Arranged the production of Catecholamine.
- DOPA
- NOREPINEPHRINE
- TYROSINE
- EPINEPHRINE
- DOPAMINE
Tyrosine > Dopa > Dopamine > Norepinephrine > Epinephrine
All reactions take part in the cytoplasm; except
a. Dopamine
b. Epinephrine
c. Norepinephrine
A:
c. Norepinephrine. Production is in the Lipid vesicles or outer mitochondrial membranes.
Enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Norepinephrine (NE) to EPI in the cytosol.
Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)
Major (80%) catecholamine secretion of Adrenal Medulla.
Epinephrine
Ratio of NE:EPI in the circulation
9:1