Disorders in the adrenal cortex Flashcards
What are three zones of the adrenal cortex? (Moving inwards towards the medulla)
Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis
What is secreted from the zona reticularis?
Androgens such as testosterone
Where are glucocorticoids such as cortisol secreted from? (Specifically in the adrenal cortex)
Zona fasiculata
What is the action of glucocorticoids? (3)
1) Increased glucose production 2) Breakdown of protein 3) Redistribution of fat
What hormone from the hypothalamus stimulates the release of ACTH from the pituitary?
Corticotroph releasing hormone
Cortisol feeds back negatively to regulate it’s levels. Which two organs does it feedback on?
The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus
When are cortisol levels highest?
In the morning (9:00)
Cushing’s disease is an excessive of which hormone?
Cortisol
What condition is associated with a cortisol independent tumour and would the ACTH levels be high or low?
ACTH independent Cushing’s is caused by a cortisol secreting adrenal tumour. The ACTH levels will be low.
What are the ACTH and cortisol levels in ACTH dependent Cushing’s?
They are both high
When are cortisol levels lowest?
During the night (midnight)
What test would you use to find a suspected pituitary ACTH deficiency?
An insulin tolerance test
How might you stimulate ACTH secretion?
Expose the individual to a stressful situation such as hypoglycaemia
What am I describing? “Auto-immune destruction of the adrenal cortex resulting in deficiencies in mineralcorticoids, glucocorticoids and androgens”
Addison’s disease
What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease?
Pigmentation, postural hypertension, weight loss, anorexia, depression, malaise, weakness and fever
