General Endocrine Flashcards
1
Q
How does Cushings/hypercortisolism lead to hypertension and hypokalemia?
A
It overwhelms the 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 enzyme that normally turns active cortisol to inactive cortisone in the kidneys. When it gets overwhelmed, the cortisol acts on the renal mineralocorticoid receptors.
