"Pharmacology Steroid Pharmacology Rachel L. Hopkins" Flashcards
How do glucocorticoids increase blood pressure?
Glucocorticoids such as cortisol (stress hormone) upregulate alpha 1 receptors in arterioles that result in increased sensitivity to norepi and epi.
At high concentrations, they can bind to aldosterone receptors as well.
Do glucocorticoids increase or decrease bone formation?
Decrease
What is the result of glucocorticoids’ causing decreased leukocyte presence and leukocyte functioning at sites of inflammation?
Glucocorticoids are potent anti-inflammatories with immunosuppressive properties.
They upregulate anti-inflammatory proteins, and downregulate pro-inflammatory ones.
What are the naturally occurring mineralocorticoids in the body?
Aldosterone
Deoxycorticosterone
(Cortisol - weak)
What are the functions of mineralocorticoids in the body?
Active in the DCT and collecting ducts of the kidney;
Maintain electrolyte balance and intravascular volume
K+ and Angiotensin II have strong effects on what steroid?
Aldosterone
Weaker influences on aldosterone include adrenocortocitropic hormone (ACTH) and sodium deficiency
Cortisol and aldosterone bind to aldosterone receptors with the same affinity. Cortisol is also present in the blood about 2000x higher than aldosterone. How does the body prevent overwhelming cortisol binding?
11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 converts cortisol to cortisone
Treatment of Adrenal insufficiency, congential adrenal insufficiency, and dianosing Cushing’s syndrome, all involve what drug class?
Corticosteroids
Class: Fludrocortisone
(Synthetic) Mineralcorticoid
MOA: Fludrocortisone
Binds aldosterone receptor (AR) which increases Na+K+ATPase expression and increase epithelial sodium channel experession
Use: Fludrocortisone
Chronic primary adrenal insufficiency (maintenance); CAH
Fludrocortisone is structurally similar to:
aldosterone
What causes primary adrenocortical insufficiency?
Anatomic destruction of the adrenal gland
What causes secondary adrenocortical insufficiency?
Decreased pituitary production of ACTH;
Can be iatrogenic (suppression from exogenous glucocorticoid therapy)
Side effects: Fludrocortisone
Primary aldosteronism
Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, anemia, eosinophilia, azotemia, all characterize lab findings of what disorder?
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Signs and symptoms: weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salt craving, postural dizziness, anorexia, weight loss, skin pigmentation, pigmentation of mucous membranes, hypotention, vitiligo
How are the findings of secondary adrenal infficiency different from primary?
No hyperpigmentation (ACTH is low); Near-normal aldosterone levels
How is adrenal insufficiency diagnosed?
Test cortisol levels at baseline and 30-60 minutes after a dose of cosyntropin
Low cortisol, high ACTH characterizes what dx?
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Low cortisol, low ACTH characterizes what dx?
Secondary adrenal insufficiency
What is adrenal crisis?
Volume depletion; hypotension; lassitude, nausea, vomiting; Hyperkalemia; Hyponatremia (mineralocorticoid deficiency, increased ADH caused by cortisol deficiency)
How is adrenal crisis treated?
High dose IV glucocorticoid (ie dexamethasone, hydrocortisone)
Do not delay treatment, as adrenal crisis is life-threatening.
Class: Hydrocortisone
Glucocorticoid
MOA: Hydrocortisone
Binds GR, which regulates expression of genes with many effects on carbohydrate metabolism and immune function
Uses: Hydrocortisone
Chronic primary adrenal insufficiency (maintenance);
CAH
What is the goal of treatment of chronic adrenal insufficiency?
To replace physiologic glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
Side effects: Hydrocortisone
Cushing’s;
glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis;
iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency
Class: Dexamethasone
Glucocorticoid