Adrenal Gland Steroids

AdrenalGrowth and Development Disorders GHD Diagnosis Treatment. Read more ... » Gland Diseases

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• The adrenal cortex produces 3 steroids:
• 9V7GZUQ7PBG5  9V7GZUQ7PBG5
• 1. GlucocorticoidsSome Facts about Glucocorticoid & Major side effects. Read more ... »
• 2. Mineralocorticoids
• 3. Adrenal androgens

Adrenal GlandSome Facts about Glucocorticoid & Major side effects. Read more ... » Steroids

The function of these steroids are:

• 1. Glucocorticoids – modulate intermediary me­tabolism and immune responses of the body.
• 2. Mineralocorticoids – Regulate blood pressureChronic Long-term Complications Of Diabetes Mellitus. Read more ... », vascular volume and electrolytes.
• 3. Adrenal androgens are responsible for second­ary sex characters in females. (In males sexual characteristics are regulated by the gonadal ste­roids viz. testosterone).
• The most important function of the adrenal gland is secretion of cortisol (hydrocortisone) in response to stress.

Disorders of adrenal gland may be :

• · HyperfunctionLABORATORY TESTS FOR ADRENAL FUNCTIONS. Read more ... » or Cushing’s syndromeMetabolic,Insulin Resistance Syndrome X Causes Symptoms. Read more ... »
• · Hypofunction or adrenal insufficiency.
• The release of adrenal cortical hormones occurs in response to ACTHACTH and TSH DEFICIENCY Diagnosis with Treatment. Read more ... » or adrenocorticotropic hormoneAnterior Pituitary Hormones and Disorders. Read more ... » re­leased by the anterior pituitaryGrowth and Development Disorders GHD Diagnosis Treatment. Read more ... » gland. ACTH is re=­leased from anterior pituitary gland in response to corticotropin releasing hormone or CRH, released by the hypothalamus.
• CRH is inhibited by ACTH levels and ACTH is inhibited by cortisol levels in plasma.
• There are peak ACTH levels before waking up and low ACTH levels before sleeping.

1. Glucocorticoids

• The most important glucocorticoid is cortisol.
• Daily secretion of cortisol is between 15 – 30 mg. The liver is the major organ which inactivates ste­roids.
• The cortisol is secreted in pulses according to circa­dian rhythm, high just before waking up and low be­fore sleepi ng.
• ACTH and cortisol levels increase with stress, eating, surgery, feverThyrotoxic crisis or Thyroid storm. Read more ... », hypoglycemia, exercise, emotional trauma.
• Glucocorticoid administration suppresses ACTH re­lease and ACTH levels in plasma falls.
• Cortisol levels suppress ACTH release from pituitary and release of CRH as well.
• Prolonged glucocorticoid therapy results in adrenal atrophy, suppression of ACTH, and suppression of CRH release. If CRH is given to such patients then there is a rise in plasma ACTH.
• All glucocorticoids have some mineralocorticoid prop­erties. The main action of glucocorticoids is produc­tion of energy via glucoseGlycogen Storage Diseases von Gierke disease, Andersen's disease, McArdle's disease. Read more ... ». The glucocorticoids also regulate protein, carbohydrate, lipid and nucleic acid metabolismGlycogen Storage Diseases von Gierke disease, Andersen's disease, McArdle's disease. Read more ... ».
• Glucocorticoids raise blood sugar levels by opposing the actions of insulinMetabolic,Insulin Resistance Syndrome X Causes Symptoms. Read more ... », inhibiting glucose uptake, and promoting glucose synthesis by the liver (gluconeo­genesis). It also causesKADAMB ANTHOCEPHALUS INDICUS Ayurveda Drugs VEDNASTHAPAN DRAVYA work on Nervous System. Read more ... » increase in breakdown of pro­teins and excretion of nitrogen (catabolic action).
• Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory properties due to suppression of cytokines.
• Elevated glucocorticoid levels in response to stress protect the organism in many ways and prevent hy­potension, shockShock Presentation Risk Factors Pathogenesis Management Treatment. Read more ... » and death.
• In patients with adrenal insufficiency glucocorticoid administration can save life.

2. Mineralocorticoids

• Daily secretion of aldosteroneAldosteronism Clinical features Causes and Treatment. Read more ... », which is the most im­portant mineralocorticoid is between 50 to 250 IJg.
• Renin produced in the kidneyDiabetic Nephropathy and Renal complications of DM (Diabetes Mellitus). Read more ... » acts on angiotensinogen to form angiotensin 1.
• Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by angio­tensin converting enzyme (ACE).
• Angiotensin II stimulates the Zona glomerulosa of
• . adrenal cortex to secrete aldosterone.
• Aldosterone levels in plasma increase sodiumRenin and Hypertension Low renin and High Renin essential hypertension with Treatment. Read more ... » reten­tion by the kidneys, causing expansion of extra cellu­lar fluid volume and decreased release of renin. •
• When normal individuals are given aldosterone it causes sodium retention followed by natriuresis and  within 3 days sodium balance is again maintained. Therefore, edema does not develop.
• This process is called the escape phenomenon be­cause the renalDiabetic Nephropathy and Renal complications of DM (Diabetes Mellitus). Read more ... » tubules lose the capability to respond to sodium-retaining action of aldosterone.
• Aldosterone causes a loss of potassium which goes on increasing without any escape resulting in hypokalaemia.
• Aldosterone secretion is controlled by renin an­giotensin systemKADAMB ANTHOCEPHALUS INDICUS Ayurveda Drugs VEDNASTHAPAN DRAVYA work on Nervous System. Read more ... » (RAS), potassium and ACTH.
• · Angiotensin II stimulates aldosterone secretion.
• · Potassium ion stimulates aldosterone secretion.
• · ACTH stimulates aldosterone secretion.

3. Adrenal androgens

• The major androgen secreted by adrenal is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 15 – 30 mg daily.
• Adrenal androgens have almost no effect in males because in males the sex characteristics are regu­lated by testosterone. In females adrenal androgens are responsible for secondary sex characteristics.