Steroids Flashcards
Which steroids are secreted by the adrenal cortex?
Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids
Androgens
What part of the adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids?
Zona glomerulosa
What part of the adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids?
Zona fasciculata
What part of the adrenal cortex secretes adrenal androgens?
Zona reticularis
Give examples of glucocorticoids
Corticosterone
Hydrocortisone
What parts of metabolism do corticosteroids affect?
Glucose
Protein synthesis
Lipid
Minerals
What is the effect of corticosteroids on the hyptohalamus and the pituitary gland?
Adrenal cortex produces steroids
These have negative feedback on the pituitary gland and hyptothalamus
Hypothalamus releases corticotropin releasing factor CRF
In response, the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH
What is the effect of ACTH?
Increased release of cortisol by the cortex of the adrenal gland
What is the effect of corticosteroids in immune response?
They are anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive
They reduce redness, pain and swelling
They prevent wound healing and cell proliferation
They suppress the function of immune system
How do corticosteroids work?
Interact with intra-cellular receptors
Induce transcription and translation of proteins
What proteins do corticosteroids promote?
Lipocortin
What does lipocortin do?
Inhibits phospholipase A2
Phospholipase A2 is the enzyme that converts phospholipids to arachidonic acid
When are corticosteroids used?
Replacement therapy
Anti inflammatory
Immunosuppressive
Emesis
What are the anti-inflammatory uses of corticosteroids?
Severe asthma
Severe arthritis
Skin disorders
What are the immunosuppressive uses of corticosteroids?
Organ transplant recipients
