Contents Adrenal gland

Adrenal cortex and medulla – pharmacology

Synthesis of Aldosteron & Cortisol

Hormones function of the Adrenal Cortex

Corticosteroid hormone

Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone)

Analogues of Glucocorticoides: Prednisolone & Dexamethasone

Analogue of Mineralocorticoid: Fludrocortisone (9-α-fluorohydrocortisone)

Adrenal Medulla

Summary

Adrenal gland

Adrenal cortex and medulla – pharmacology

The adrenal cortex secretes three major hormones

• Glucocorticosteroids, primarily in the form of hydrocortisone (cortisol), are secreted from the zona fasciculata.

• Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone) controls Na_/K_ ion exchange in the distal nephron and is secreted from the zona glomerulosa.

• Small amounts of reproductive steroids are produced. Some androgens (testosterone), estrogens and progesterone

The adrenal medulla secretes

Adrenaline (epinephrine) and smaller amounts of noradrenaline(norepinephrine).

Cholesterol

Anterior lobe of Pituitary gland

ACTH

Pregnenolone

Progesterone

11-Desoxy-

corticosteroe

Corticosterone

18-Hydroxy-corticosterone

Aldosterone

17-α- Hydroxy pregnenolone

17- Hydroxy progesterone

21,β hydroxylase

11- Desoxy-cortisol

11,β hydroxylase

Cortisol

Synthesis of Aldosteron & Cortisol

Hormones function of the Adrenal Cortex

Helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function

Helps slow the immune system's inflammatory response

Helps balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy

Helps regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats

Helps maintain proper arousal and sense of well-being

Corticosteroid hormone Glucocorticoids

The principal glucocorticoid in humans is cortisol (in rodents corticosterone)

Cortisol stimulates most body cells to increase their energy production

Cortisol causes the cells to increase energy output by using fats and amino acids (proteins) instead of glucose.

Inflammation if left unchecked, will lead to excessive tissue destruction. Cortisol limits the inflammation process.

Suppressing the activities of white blood cells.

Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone)

Regulate the formation of urine

Increase in blood pressure or volume,

Increase in the sodium (salt) level in blood,

Decrease in the potassium level in blood

Regulation of Corticosteroid Synthesis

(Craigie, Mullins, & Bailey, 2009)

Glucocorticoid synthesis is regulated by the HPA axis

(Craigie, Mullins, & Bailey, 2009)

The body's natural alarm clock

some people can automatically awake in the morning without an alarm clock

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol is responsible for this,

cortisol stimulates most body cells to increase their energy production, which heightens the body's ability ,

latter stages of sleep, these hormones were released, causing the body to awaken,

Analogues of Glucocorticoides: Prednisolone & Dexamethasone

Prednisolone

Prednisolone is an analogue of hydrocortisone that is approximately four times more potent than the natural hormone,

regard to anti-inflammatory metabolic actions,

considered in progressive rheumatoid arthritis,

indicated include severe asthma and some interstitial lung diseases,

Dexamethasone in the symptomatic treatment of cerebral oedema

associated with brain tumours;

to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies by administration to pregnant mothers

in combination with other anti-emetics to prevent cytotoxic chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting;

when a corticosteroid is indicated, but fluid retention is problematic

Analogue of Mineralocorticoid: Fludrocortisone (9-α-fluorohydrocortisone)

Fludrocortisone (9-α-fluorohydrocortisone) is a potent synthetic mineralocorticoid, being approximately 500 times more powerful than hydrocortisone,

It binds to the mineralocorticoid steroid receptor and mimics the action of aldosterone,

It is used as replacement therapy in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency.

used to treat patients with symptomatic postural hypotension

Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal medulla develops from neural tissue. Theadrenal medulla is reddish brown in color partlybecause it contains many blood vessels.

Secreting two hormone-

1. Epinephrine

2. Nor epinephrine

Functions:

Stimulates the body to react to stressful situations.

eg. Stress, Physical activity, Low blood glucose

Continue

The McGraw-hill companies, Inc.

FunctionsEpinephrine: elicits a fight or flight response

Increase Heart Rate and Blood Presser

Increase respiration

Increase metabolic rate

Increase glycogenolysis

Vasodilation

Epinephrine hormone effects

Epinephrine triggers a signal transduction cascade

Summary