Lec 10 - Adrenal Glands

Question 1

three layers in cortex of adrenal gland

Answer 1

zona glomerulosa
zona fasciculata
zona reticularis

Question 2

the 2 corticosteroid hormones made in adrenal gland

Answer 2

mineralcorticoids
glucocorticoids

Question 3

where is mineralcorticoids produced

Answer 3

zona glomerulosa

Question 4

where is glucocorticoids produced

Answer 4

zona fasciculata

Question 5

what does zona reicularis produce

Answer 5

precursors to androgens

Question 6

what is main mineralcorticoid

Answer 6

aldosterone

Question 7

whatis main glucocorticoid

Answer 7

cortisol

Question 8

what do all corticosteroids start off as

Answer 8

cholesterol

Question 9

what is rate limiting step in steroid biogenesis

Answer 9

first step = cholesterol to pregnenolone

Question 10

2 mechanisms of action of glucocorticoid

Answer 10

genomic and non genomic

Question 11

in the cell, what is glucocorticoid receptor linked with

Answer 11

heat shock proteins (molecular chaperones)

Question 12

when steroid receptor complex binds to response elemen, what action does it have

Answer 12

alters protein production

Question 13

how is non genomic different to genomic

Answer 13

• much faster
• response to stress
• binds to Gi GPCR in membrane

Question 14

how does non genomic action work

Answer 14

Gi
decreases cAMP production
decreased Ca2+ into cell
and increased K+ out of cell

= decreased excitability

Question 15

why do GCs have more widespread effects

Answer 15

more receptors throughout the body

Question 16

what are the general effects of GCs

Answer 16

controls metabolic effects
anti inflammatory effects
immunosuppresive effects

Question 17

effects of MCs

Answer 17

controls water and electrolyte balance
and
blood pressure homeostasis

Question 18

which pituitary gland does corticotropin releasing hormone act on

Answer 18

anterior

Question 19

what does ant pituitary release

Answer 19

adrenocorticotropic hromone
ACTH

Question 20

how does cortisol -vely feedback

Answer 20

acts on APG
and Hypothal

Question 21

how does ACTH trigger cortisol synth and release

Answer 21

binds to Gs receptor
inc cAMP
inc PKA
binds to response elements
which allows synthesis of cortisol

Question 22

3 wayss GCs have antiinflammatory effects

Answer 22

Stabilises lysosomal membranes

Decreases permeability of capillaries

Decreases migration of white blood cells (and release of prostaglandins, cytokines etc)

Question 23

3 more direct effects on immune system that have anti inflammatory effects

Answer 23

• Suppression of the immune system by
  Reduction in T cells and antibodies
• Reduction of fever by
  reduces production of IL-1
• Rate of healing as it increases
  Amino acids, glucose, fatty acids available for repair of tissues.

Question 24

how can GCs be used therapeutically (anti inflammatory effects)

Answer 24

Blocks inflammatory response in allergic reactions
Decreases white blood cells in blood

Prevents rejection of transplanted tissues and organs
Suppression of immune system

Question 25

metabolic effects of GCs

Answer 25

- Indicates to catecholamines to exert lipolytic effects - Indicates to glucagon to exert calorigenic effects - Increased gluconeogenesis, particularly in the liver -Increased storage of glycogen in liver and in muscle - Uptake and use of glucose in muscle and adipose tissue decreased - reduction in protein stores - increased liver and plasma AAs

Question 26

how does aldosterone increase blood pressure

Answer 26

Causes retention of Na+ Increased release of potassium In renal tubular epithelial cells

Question 27

how can aldosterone alter water/electrolyte balance

Answer 27

- controls Na+ and K+ transport in Salivary glands Sweat glands Intestines (colon)

Question 28

name a competitive inhibitor of MC receptors

Answer 28

Spironolactone = used as diuretic, and hypertensive effects

Question 29

what causes increase in MC release

Answer 29

- Increased K+ in kidney tubules - Increased activity of renin-angiotensin system - ACTH

Question 30

how do MCs genomic effects work

Answer 30

- when it acts on nuclear receptors - increases Na+ channel proteins - and Na/K ATPase increases (= allows increased absorption of Na and release of K)

Question 31

which synthetic steroids have both GC and MC activity

Answer 31

- Hydrocortisone - Prednisolone, prednisone

Question 32

which synthetic steroids have pure GC activity

Answer 32

Dexamethasone and others but jus allow it man

Question 33

which synthetic steroids have pure MC activity

Answer 33

Fludrocortisone

Question 34

disorder from excessive cortisol release

Answer 34

Cushing’s Syndrome

Question 35

what can cushings syndrome be caused by

Answer 35

- Tumour of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands - Tumours or cancer arising elsewhere in the body (ectopic ACTH producing tumors)

Question 36

what disorder caused by INADEQUATE LEVELS OF CORTISOL

Answer 36

Addisons disease

Question 37

causes of addisons disease

Answer 37

Adrenal insufficiency due to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves (primary adrenal insufficiency) Inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency)

Question 38

what used to treat cushings

Answer 38

GC receptors antagonists Mifepristone

Question 39

why does mifeprestone need to be used carefully in women

Answer 39

is also a progesterone receptor antagonist

Question 40

what is new GC receptor antagonist that is in clinical trials

Answer 40

Relacorilant selectively binds to the GR without anti-progesterone receptor effects

Question 41

addisons disease symptoms

Answer 41

Appetite loss Discolouration of the skin Dehydration Increased thirst and need to urinate frequently Salt cravings Oligomenorrhoea No energy or motivation, low mood Sore / painful, weak muscles and joints

Question 42

how is addisons disease treated

Answer 42

- hydrocortisone - prednisone etc used to replace cortisol

Question 43

what is used to replace aldosterone in aldosterone deficiency

Answer 43

Fludrocortisone acetate 

Question 44

where can steroids have side effects

Answer 44

- muscle disease - bone impairment - skin diseases - oculopathy - cardiovasc diseases - CNS disorders - metabolic