Intro to Endocrinology, Adrenal/Pituitary

Question 1

Relationship between protein binding percent, plasma half life, and metabolic clearance

Answer 1

Inc protein binding percent,

Inc plasma half life,

Dec metabolic clearance

Question 2

Difference in speed of action based on receptor type

Answer 2

Membrane bound - fast

Intercellular - slow

Question 3

Typical adrenal/pituitary feedback loop

Answer 3

Question 4

Prolactin Feedback Loop

Answer 4

Question 5

Region of adrenal gland produced cortisol and androgens

Answer 5

Zona fasciculata

Zona reticularis

Question 6

HPA Axis

Answer 6

Question 7

Circadian peaks of cortisol

Answer 7

Peaks in early AM, to assure maintenance of glucose during sleep

Question 8

Cortisol/Androgens Pathway

Answer 8

Question 9

Pathways in Adrenal Insufficiency (primary and secondary)

Answer 9

Question 10

Causes of primary adrenal insufficiency

Answer 10

80% - autoimmune

20% - Tuberculosis

Question 11

Major clinical presentation of primary adrenocortical insufficiency

Answer 11

Weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, and weight loss in an otherwise healthy individual

Question 12

Significance of recovery from glucocorticoid therapy

Answer 12

Must be done in “weaning” fashion to prevent deadly spikes of ACTH/Cortisol. Eventually levels will even and normalize.