Cortisol/Adrenal Gland (Need full explaination and citations/ links from reliabl

ID: 3481616 • Letter: C

Question

Cortisol/Adrenal Gland (Need full explaination and citations/ links from reliable sources) -I appreciate you!

1. Besides cortisol, what other hormones are secreted by the adrenal gland? What are the actions of these other hormones?

2. As stated in your textbook, most endocrine pathologies can be categorized into one of the following: too much hormone, too little hormone, or an abnormal tissue response to the hormone. What endocrine pathologies are associated with cortisol (include both hypersecretion and hyposecretion)? You should be sure to talk about Cushing’s Syndrome/Disease and Addison’s Disease. Briefly describe these pathologies, and then talk about the treatments available.

Explanation / Answer

aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid is essential for the regulation of salt ("mineral") balance and blood volume.

Also, it is functional in reabsorption of about 2% of filtered sodium in the kidneys

aldosterone is a major homeostatic modulator of sodium and potassium levels in the body

corticosterone

A glucocorticoid which increases the circulating level of glucose.

Also, they increase the levels of free fatty acids which can be used as alternative source of energy

Corticosterone is the precursor molecule to the mineralocorticoid aldosterone

cortisone

A glucocorticoid is released by the body as a reaction to stress as elevate blood pressure and prepare the body for a fight or flight response.

Cortisone is known to suppresses the immune system, reducing inflammation and pain and swelling at the site of the injury.

dehydroepiandrosterone

A steroid hormone that functions as a metabolic intermediate in the androgen and estrogen sex steroids biosynthesis

DHEA has important effects in the central nervous system where it acts as neurosteroid ( a steroid that alters neuronal excitability by interacting with ligand-gated ion channels and other cell surface receptors.) and as a neurotrophin ( inducing the survival, development, and function of neurons.)

epinephrine

also is known as adrenalin.

Play an important role by preparing body for fight or flight response by increasing blood flow to muscles, output of the heart(Relaxation and contraction of smooth muscle cells , controlled through epinephrine receptors), pupil dilation, and blood sugar(involved in breakdown glycogen in the liver to release glucose )

norepinephrine

a neurotransmitter released from the neurons .plays a vital role in flight or fight response by increasing arousal and alertness as well as increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, triggering the release of glucose from energy stores, increasing blood flow to skeletal muscle and reducing blood flow to the gastrointestinal system

2. cortisol related pathologies include:

HYPERCORTISOLISM:When the body produces abnormally high amounts of cortisol.this can be due to depression, inheritance, malnutrition, athletic training, emotional stress, and alcohol consumption stress due to surgery, acute illness, pregnancy, injuries, etc. hypercortisolism is also known as Cushing's syndrome cause due to long-term exposure to cortisol.overproduction of cortisol due to a pituitary adenoma are known as Cushing's disease .Treatment: since Most Cushing's syndrome cases are caused by corticosteroid medications, by limiting the doses and eventually stopping might lead to cure the patient. If it is due to adrenal adenoma, it may be removed by surgery.medications also have a limiting effect(Mifepristone).

Adrenal insufficiency or Hypocortisolism: a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts cortisol; and other steroid hormones.can be caused by craniopharyngioma, which is a benign tumor that can damage the pituitary gland and so cause the adrenal glands not to function.other major contributors include autoimmune adrenalitis (Addison's Disease), tuberculosis, AIDS, and metastatic disease and Use of high-dose steroids.one such disease is Addison's disease, also known as hypocortisolism, which is a long-term endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones. Symptoms generally may include abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss.Treatment: involves replacing the missing cortisol, sometimes in the form of hydrocortisone tablets to increase cortisol levels.but standard therapy involves intravenous injections of glucocorticoids and large volumes of the intravenous saline solution with dextrose (glucose)