Steroid Therapeutics Flashcards
What are the three regions of the adrenal cortex?
Where is cortisol synthesized?
in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex
where is aldosterone made?
in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex
where is renin produced?
in the kideny
what is the role of renin?
it converts angiotensin to angiotensin 1 =
what is the consequence of the RAAS system?
salt retention, therefore an increase in blood pressure
what occurs in primary adrenal faillure?
adrenal cortex has failed so cortisol, aldoseerone and androgens cannot be made = Addison’s disease
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what is secondary adrenal failure?
pituitary tumour causes low level of ACTH which normally fascilitates the production of androgens, aldosterones and cortisols from the adrenal cortex - therefore you get a failure of the adrenal cortex
when do we put patients on glucocorticoids?
primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency
what are the majority of cases of addison’s disease casued by?
autoimmune reasons
what is waterhous friederichsen syndrome?
it is haemorrhage of the adrenal glands resulting in adrenal failure
What drugs instigate the release of ACTH ffrom the posterior pituitary?
CRH and AVP which are released from the hypothalamus in response to stress, circadium rythym and sympathetic input
what can inhibit the release of ACTH from the posterior pituitary?
Anterior pituitary and cortisol
What are some symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency?
- weakness/fatigue
- dizziness
- craving for salt
- increased pigmentation
- hypotension
- tachycardia
- decreased body hair
- vitiligo
- ongoing inflammation with no obvious source
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