My revision: Wk 2

Question 1

where is natural glucocortisteroids produced?

Answer 1

in the adrenal gland then released by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis

mechanism one:
how much cortisol is in the bloodstream

mechanism two: relates to stress as glucocorticoids are the main hormone involved in stress:
stress response occurs, activating ACTH that reaches the adrenal cortex then CRF is released

Question 2

what 3 groups of hormones does the adrenal gland produce?

Answer 2

1. glucocorticosteroids - cortisol produced by the adrenal cortex
2. mineralocorticosteroids - produced by adrenal cortex
3. adrenaline & noradrenaline - both produced by adrenal medulla

Question 3

how glucocorticosteroids work when administered

Answer 3

They are used to speed up the production & activation of hormones

glucocortisteroid is given to patient
phospholipase enzyme inhibits prostaglandins and leukotrienes production

whereas normal production of glucocorticosteroids WITHOUT administration of them includes many more steps to produce the drug, therefore again speeding up the process