PRIMARY HYPERALDOSTERONISM Flashcards
What is the function of the adrenal cortex?
three
- steroid hormone function biosynthesis and regulation
- diagnostic testing
- adrenocortical insufficiency states (acute and chronic adrenal insufficiency)
What are the 2 adrenocortical excess states?
- cushing’s syndrome
- conn syndrome
Adrenal medulla:
what does it do and what can occur at that level?
catecholamine synthesis, metabolism, receptors and functions
pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas occur here
What is the definitive zone of the fetal adrenal gland?
the principal site of glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid synthesis
What is the fetal zone of the fetal adrenal gland?
androgenic precursors, which the placenta converts to various types of estrogens
what are the cortexes of the mature adrenal gland?
- zona glomerulosa
- zona fasciculata
- zona reticularis
Where is the medulla?
at the very bottom of both fetal and mature adrenal gland gradient
What is the function of the zona glomerulosa?
two things
- MINERALCORTICOIDS
- sodium resorption in the kidney, thus electrolyte balance, intravascular volume, and blood pressure
What is the function of the zona fasciculata?
- GLUCOCORTICOIDS
- named for their carbohydrate-mobilizing activity
- ubiquitous physiologic regulators, influencing a wide variety of bodily functions
What is the function of the zona reticularis?
- SEX STEROIDS
- no known physiologic role
- secondary characteristics in women, overproduction can result in virilization
Biosynthesis of Aldosterone:
pregnenolone-> progesterone-> 11- deoxycorticosterone-> corticosterone-> aldosterone
biosynthesis of cortisol:
17-hydroxyoregnenolone-> 17-hydroxyprogesterone-> 11-deoxycortisol-> cortisol
biosynthesis of androstenedione:
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-> Androsteneidone
How is aldosterone regulated?
renin-angiotensin system
what is primary hyperaldosteronism also known as?
conn syndrome