Steroids and Adrenal Gland

Question 1

What is the effects of cortisol?

Answer 1

antagonist to insulin -> causes gluconeogenesis, fat and protein breakdown (strongest antagonist when compared with glucagon and somatostatin)
lowers immune reactivity, raises BP, inhibits bone synthesis

Question 2

What are adverse effects of therapeutic steroid use?

Answer 2

hypertension, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, increased infection risk

Question 3

What are examples of therapeutic steroids?

Answer 3

hydrocortisone (cortisol equivalent = 1)
prednisalone (4)
triamcinolone (5)
dexamethasone (25)
betamethasone (30)

Question 4

What are the effects of therapeutic steroids?

Answer 4

enhanced glucocorticoid effect
enhanced mineralocorticoid effect (salt and water retention, hypertension)
ALSO cause suppression of adrenal function

Question 5

What hormones are produced by the adrenal glands? Where are these produced in the adrenal glands?

Answer 5

aldosterone -> zona glomerulosa
cortisol -> zona fasicularis
adrenal androgens -> zona reticularis
adrenaline -> medulla