Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Adrenal Pathophysiology
- Adrenal Disorders
- HYPERfunction
- Hypercortisolism (Cushing's Syndrome)
- Most commonly caused by
exogenous corticosteroids. Most
commonly occurs in women.
- Etiologies
- Iatrogenic
- ↓cortisol, ↓ACTH, ↓CRH
- Cushing's Disease (pituitary adenoma)
- ↑cortisol, ↑ACTH, ↓CRH
- Adrenal Adenoma/Carcinoma
- ↑cortisol, ↓ACTH, ↓CRH
- Ectopic ACTH-Secreting Tumor
- ↑cortisol, ↑ACTH, ↓CRH
- Ectopic CRH-Secreting Tumor
- ↑cortisol, ↑ACTH, ↑CRH
- Clinical Effects: Hyperglycemia, T2DM, "Buffalo
Hump", "Moon Face", skin atrophy, HTN, Acne,
Infertility, Hirsutism (females), depression
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's Disease)
- Due to an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma
- Results in: HTN (end-organ-effects: retinopathy,
nephropathy, left ventricular hypertrophy),
Hypokalemia, Hypervolemia
- Secondary Hyperaldosteronism
- Due to increased renin production
(Heart Failure, CKD, Cirrhosis, etc.)
- HYPOfunction
- Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)
- Autoimmune: accounts for
80% of adrenal insufficiency
- Clinical Effects: Skin bronzing
occurs as a result of the
up-regulation of ACTH
- Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
- Adrenal Crisis: cortical
hormones at levels
below that which are
necessary for survival;
Life-Threatening!!!
- Treat Immediately!!!
- Causes: Infection, Infarction,
Iatrogenic Events
- Adrenal Cortex: Produces 3 types of
Corticosteroid Hormones
- 1. Glucocorticoids (CORTISOL)
- A stress hormone that INCREASES
BLOOD PRESSURE, which activates...
- Also activates the
release of steroids
within the liver
- 3. Mineralocorticoids (ALDOSTERONE)
- Increases sodium and water reabsorption
- Increases blood volume,
INCREASING BLOOD PRESSURE
- This antidiuretic effect
increases arterial perfusion
pressure in the kidneys is what
regulates renin release
- 2. Adrenal Androgen
Precursors (DHEA)
- Co-Workers
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
- Regulates glucocorticoids
and adrenal androgens
- Hypothalamus
- -- Corticotropin Releasing
Hormone (CRH )-->
- Anterior Pituitary
- -- Adrenocorticotropic
Hormone (ACTH) -->
- Adrenal Cortex
- Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
- Regulates
mineralocorticoids
- Kidney
- -- Renin -->
- Renin + Angiotensinogen
- --> Angiotensin 1
- Angiotensin 1 + ACE
- --> Angiotensin 2
- Binds to and activates
AT2 Receptor
- --> Stimulates release of...
- Causes vasoconstriction,
INCREASING BLOOD PRESSURE
- Also activates the release of
steroids within the liver
- Lungs
- -- Angiotensin Converting
Enzyme (ACE) -->
- Liver
- -- Angiotensinogen -->