Wk1 Adrenal Physiology

Question 1

Section of adrenal cortex that produces aldosterone:

Answer 1

zona glomerulosa

Question 2

middle zone of the adrenal cortex:

Answer 2

zona fasciculata

Question 3

inner zone of the adrenal cortex:

Answer 3

zona reticularis

Question 4

Embryological origin of adrenal medula:

Answer 4

neural crest

**modified ganglion releases catacholamines

Question 5

Four “big picture” functions of cortisol:

Answer 5

1. suppresses immune function
2. gluconeogenesis
3. protein catabolism
4. lipolysis

Question 6

CRH receptor type in anterior pituitary:

Answer 6

Gs –> increases cAMP

Question 7

Pituitary precursor to ACTH, MSH, and a-lipotropin:

Answer 7

pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)

Question 8

Adrenal cortex receptor type for ACTH:

Answer 8

melanocortin-2

G-alpha-s –> elevates cAMP –> PKA activation

Question 9

Rate limiting step in adrenal steroid synthesis:

Answer 9

CYP11A – cholesterol –> pregnenolone

Question 10

Location of glucocorticoid receptors in target cells:

Answer 10

cytosol

Question 11

Inactive form of cortisol:

Where is it found and why?

Answer 11

Cortisone

mineralcorticoid responsive tissue so aldosterone can bind and cortisone is inactive

Question 12

Main function of mineralcorticoids:

Answer 12

Aldosterone –> salt and water retention

Question 13

11BHSD2 ?

Answer 13

inactivates cortisol

Question 14

11BHSD1 ?

Answer 14

activates cortisone to cortisol

Question 15

Look at slide ….

Answer 15

17

Question 16

Aldosterone effect on K+?

Answer 16

enhances secretion

Question 17

Make sure you understand slide

Answer 17

20-30

Question 18

What stimulates aldosterone?

Answer 18

high K+

AT II

ACTH – secondarily – no feedback inhibition

Question 19

Immune mediated destruction of adrenal cortex:

Answer 19

Addison’s disease

Question 20

What do cortisol, aldosterone, POMC, ACTH, and MSH look like in Addison’s?

Answer 20

cortisol – low

aldo – low

POMC – high (no feedback inhibitio)

ACTH – high “

MSH – high “ (pigmented skin)

Question 21

Secondary adrenal insufficiency usually caused by:

Answer 21

withdrawl of exogenous glucocorticoids