Adrenal Function, Testing and Disorders Chemistry CLS 415 Didactics Ricki Otten, MT(ASCP)SC Part 2: Cortex Hormone Function and Regulation
Mineralcorticoids: Aldosterone Function/Physiologic effects Na + and K + homeostasis Regulates extracellular fluid volume through sodium reabsorption by kidneys Synthesized only in the adrenal gland: zona glomerulosa Major control mechanism: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system 2
Renin: an enzyme Produced in the juxtaglomerulosa cells of the kidney 3
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) Produced in lung Angiotensinogen: a protein substrate Produced in liver 4
Angiotensin II: Potent vasoconstrictor Stimulates Adrenal Cortex to produce Aldosterone 5
6 2 1
7 2 1
8 2 1
9 2 1
Glucocorticoids: Cortisol Essential for life Major stress protector 10
Glucocorticoids: Cortisol Function/Physiologic effects Influences carbohydrate metabolism: Promotes gluconeogenesis Promotes glycogenolysis Stimulates protein catabolism (breakdown) Central distribution of fat: neck, face and trunk Anti-inflammatory actions Immunosuppressive actions Anti-allergic properties Increase plasma glucose 11
Glucocorticoids: Cortisol Diurnal variation Under ACTH influence Highest cortisol levels in early am Lowest cortisol levels in late pm Synthesized in the adrenal gland Major control mechanism: Negative feedback control 12
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis 13