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HUBS 191 > The adrenal glands and stress response > Flashcards

The adrenal glands and stress response Flashcards

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1
Q

where is the adrenal glands located

A

on top of each kidney in the upper abdomen

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2
Q

what are the 3 layers of the adrenal glands

A
  1. the capsule - outer layer
  2. the cortex - in-between layer
  3. the medulla - the middle layer
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3
Q

what is the function of the cortex of the adrenal gland

A

the cortex produces the corticosteroids
1. glucocorticoids
2. mineralocorticoids
3. sex hormones

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4
Q

what are the 3 layers the cortex are made of in the adrenal glands

A
  1. Zona glomerulosa - outer zone
  2. Zona fasciculata - middle zone
  3. Zona reticularis - the inner zone
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5
Q

what is the function of the medulla in the adrenal glands

A

secretes adrenaline (80%) and noradrenaline

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6
Q

what is the function of Zona glomerulosa

A

is responsible for the secretion of Aldosterone (mineralocorticoid)

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7
Q

what is the function of aldosterone

A

increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys and potassium excretion

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8
Q

what is the secretion of aldosterone stimulated by

A

stimulated by angiotensin ii and high potassium

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9
Q

what is the function of Zona fasciculata

A

secretes glucocorticoids - eg cortisol

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10
Q

what is the function of Zona reticularis

A

secretes adrenal androgens

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11
Q

what are the functions of adrenal androgens

A

play a role in fetal and pre-pubertal development, as well as mild effects in females after puberty

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12
Q

what functional system is the adrenal medulla related to

A

sympathetic nervous system

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13
Q

how are the neurons in the hypothalamus analogous to the preganglionic sympathetic neurons

A

axon terminals release ACh onto nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on chromaffin cells in adrenal medulla which leads to depolarization

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14
Q

how are the chromaffin cells in the medulla analogous to the postganglionic sympathetic neurons (but without axons)

A

the cells secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline into blood which will therefore affect all cells in the body with the right receptors - alpha and beta adrenergic receptors

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15
Q

what are the physiological effects of adrenaline/noradrenaline

A

activates the flight or fight response

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16
Q

what does the exact fight or flight response depend on

A
  1. which hormone - adrenaline or noradrenaline
  2. which receptors are present on the cell
  3. the type of cell - cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, adipose and liver
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17
Q

what general effects will adrenaline/noradrenaline produces when promoting immediate survival in threatening situations

A
  • increase heart rate, cardiac output and blood pressure
  • increased blood flow to heart and skeletal muscle
  • relaxation of smooth muscle in airways
  • reduced blood flow to gastrointestinal tract and kidneys
  • pupil dilation, sweating
  • glycogen breakdown in muscle and liver
  • fat breakdown in adipose tissue
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18
Q

what is a phaeochromocytoma

A

a rare benign tumor of the adrenal medulla derived from chromaffin cells

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19
Q

what does the phaeochromocytoma cause

A

results in increased secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline

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20
Q

what symptoms are associated with phaeochromocytoma

A
  • tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • hypertension (increased BP)
  • anxiety or depression
  • hyperglycemia
  • nausea or vomiting
  • headache
  • sweating
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21
Q

what does the hypothalamus secrete for the adrenal cortex to respond as a negative system feedback pathway

A

the hypothalamic neurons secrete corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) which is a peptide hormone

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22
Q

how does the corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) affect the anterior pituitary

A

CRH acts on the anterior pituitary causing it to secrete ACTH in a diurnal pattern - peaks early morning and trough late afternoon

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23
Q

what other factors increases the secretion of CRH

Study These Flashcards
A
  • physical stress or trauma
  • hypoglycemia
  • emotional stress eg fear
  • infection
24
Q

what is Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Study These Flashcards
A

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also known as corticotropin, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands

25
what type of hormone is Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
a peptide hormone
26
what cells produce Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the anterior pituitary
corticotrope cells
27
on what 2 layers does Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) effect of the adrenal cortex
1. Zona fasciculata - glucocorticoids 2. Zona reticularis - sex hormones (mostly androgens)
28
what receptors does Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) bind to in the adrenal cortex
G protein coupled receptors
29
how does Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) increase cortisol and adrenal androgen synthesis
by increasing expression/activity of steroidogenic enzymes
30
what are adrenocortical hormones bound to in blood
plasma proteins - eg cortisol-binding globulin or albumin
31
how does glucocorticoids help resist physiological stress
1. increases responsiveness to catecholamines 2. increase glycogenesis in the liver 3. mobilizes amino acids from extrahepatic tissue - especially muscles 4. promotes mobilization of lipids from fat 5. reducing/limiting inflammatory and/or immune reactions
32
how does increasing responsiveness to catecholamines help resist physiological stress
Helps maintain blood pressure
33
how does increasing glycogenesis in the liver help resist physiological stress
through the synthesis of new glucose from amino acids, glycerol, lactate, etc
34
how does the glucocorticoids promotes mobilization of lipids from fat to help resist physiological stress
- increases free fatty acids and glycerol in plasma - decreases glucose utilization particularly in muscle cells
35
how does the mobilization of lipids from fat help resist physiological stress
- more glucose is available in blood for brain cells - the increased blood glucose level then stimulates secretion of insulin, but the tissue is less sensitive to insulins effect due to the action of glucocorticoids therefore the tissue is insulin resistant
36
where is aldosterone secreted from
secreted by cells of Zona glomerulosa
37
what stimulates the secretion of aldosterone
- activation of renin-angiotensin system (angiotensin ii) - high ECF potassium - low ECF sodium
38
what is the function of aldosterone
- aldosterone acts on nephrons in kidney to increase the reabsorption of sodium as sodium is the main ECF cation and a major determinant of ECF volume - increases renal excretion of potassium in the urine
39
where can aldosterone also promote the reabsorption of sodium
- epithelial cells of sweat - salivary glands - in the intestines
40
what is Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol
41
what is the cause of Cushing's syndrome
due to the excess of glucocorticoids and may result in administration of exogenous corticoids such as hydrocortisone, prednisone and dexamethasone
42
what is Cushing's disease and what is the cause
the overproduction of ACTH due to a tumor on hypothalamus, anterior pituitary or other tumors that may cause this over secretion
43
what is adrenal neoplasia
Adrenal neoplasia refers to a growth or tumor, either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), that develops on an adrenal gland
44
what are some symptoms of Cushing's
- increased protein catabolism with loss of muscle - increased gluconeogenesis and impaired insulin response - hypertension - osteoporosis - immunosuppression - thin skin that bruises and tears easily - striae (stretchmarks) - psychological changes
45
what is Addison's disease
Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands don't produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. the adrenal glands are atrophy or possible destroyed
46
what are the possible causes of Addison's disease
- autoimmune adrenalitis - infections such as TB - metastatic cancer
47
what are the effects of Addison's disease
the loss of both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
48
what does the loss of both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in Addison's disease lead to
- an altered metabolism and difficulty to maintain blood glucose levels - low sodium, blood pressure and ECF volume - hyperkalemia (high K) - weakness and weight loss
49
what is the treatment for Addison's disease
the replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
50
what are the 3 types of responses to stress (phases)
1. alarm phase 2. resistance phase 3. exhaustion phase
51
what will the alarm phase in response to stress be helpful for and what type of response is it
responses that are going to help you to survive physical threats - therefore short term
52
what are some responses of the alarm phase in response to stress
- increased alertness and ability to focus - diluted pupils - increased HR, cardiac output and BP - more blood flow to heart and skeletal muscles - increased respiratory rate and O2 consumption - smooth muscle in airways relaxes - reduced blood flow to kidneys and gut - increased breakdown in glycogen in muscle - the mobilization of liver glycogen increases blood glucose levels - increased sweating
53
what type of response is the resistance phase in response to stress
longer term responses - hours, weeks, months
54
what are some responses of the resistance phase in response to stress
- breakdown of proteins and fat to provide substrates for the liver produce new glucose (gluconeogenesis increases) - switch in metabolism of many tissues to using lipids as energy source, spares the available glucose for the brain - increased blood glucose levels - conservation of sodium and water by loss of potassium
55
what type of response is the exhaustion phase in response to stress
duration, symptoms and outcome will vary by individual and depending on the particular type of stress - could be long or short term
56
what are some responses of the exhaustion phase in response to stress
1.exhaustion of protein and lipid reserves - the energy reserves are finally depleted and could cause damage to tissue structure 2. inability of maintain acceptable blood - leads to hypoglycemia when in starving and insulin resistance which causes chronic mental or emotional stress 3. failure to maintain adequate fluid and electrolyte balance 4. cardiovascular damage due to prolonged elevation in blood volume, BP and BGL

HUBS 191 (34 decks)

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