Pharmacology

• What class of hormone does cortisol belong to?

  Cortisol belongs to the class of glucocorticoids.
• Where is cortisol synthesized?

  Cortisol is synthesized in the adrenal cortex.
• What are the signaling events associated with steroid-based hormones?

  Steroid-based hormones bind to receptors and regulate gene transcription.
• How is ACTH release regulated?

  ACTH release is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
• How does ACTH regulate cortisol release?

  ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol.
• What are the sites of action of cortisol?

  Cortisol acts on various tissues including the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.
• How does cortisol exert its effects?

  Cortisol exerts its effects by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and regulating gene expression.
• What are the consequences of cortisol excess?

  Cortisol excess can lead to Cushing's syndrome, characterized by hyperglycemia and muscle wasting.
• What are the consequences of cortisol deficiency?

  Cortisol deficiency can result in Addison's disease, leading to hypoglycemia and hypotension.
• What is the structure of the adrenal gland?

  The adrenal gland consists of a cortex and a medulla.
• What role do adrenal hormones play in metabolism?

  Adrenal hormones regulate metabolism and help the body adapt to stress.
• What is the primary function of cortisol?

  Cortisol increases plasma glucose levels.
• What is the role of aldosterone?


  Aldosterone promotes salt and water retention by the kidneys.
• What are the main types of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex?

  The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgenic steroids.
• What is the primary product of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla?

  The primary product of chromaffin cells is epinephrine.
• How are steroid hormones transported in the blood?

  Steroid hormones are carried in the blood complexed to specific binding globulins.
• What is the rate-limiting step in steroid hormone synthesis?

  The rate-limiting step is the transport of free cholesterol into mitochondria.
• What is the role of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR)?

  StAR transports cholesterol from the outer membrane to the inner membrane of mitochondria.
• What determines the pathway taken in adrenal steroidogenesis?

  The pathway is determined by the specific enzymes present in different zones of the adrenal cortex.
• What is the function of glucocorticoids in metabolism?

  Glucocorticoids stimulate gluconeogenesis and elevate blood glucose levels.
• What are the metabolic effects of cortisol?

  Cortisol stimulates protein catabolism and inhibits glucose uptake by body tissues.
• What are the side effects of cortisol disruption in homeostasis?

  Side effects include weight gain, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
• How does cortisol affect the immune response?

  Cortisol suppresses the immune response and inflammation.
• What is the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in cortisol action?

  11β-HSD2 inactivates cortisol to prevent it from binding to mineralocorticoid receptors.
• What is the consequence of a pituitary lesion on cortisol levels?

  A pituitary lesion can lead to atrophy of the zona fasciculata and reticularis, resulting in low cortisol levels.
• What are the symptoms of Addison's disease?

  Symptoms include hypoglycemia, hypotension, and skin hyperpigmentation.
• What is Cushing's syndrome?

  Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol production leading to symptoms like hyperglycemia and muscle wasting.
• What are the effects of excess ACTH on the adrenal glands?

  Excess ACTH can lead to enlarged adrenals and excess steroid production.
• What is the relationship between cortisol and blood pressure?

  Cortisol can lead to sodium retention and increased blood pressure.
• What is the role of glucocorticoids in the body during fasting?

  Glucocorticoids are essential for gluconeogenesis during fasting.
• What is the effect of cortisol on muscle tissue?

  Cortisol stimulates protein catabolism in muscle tissue.
• How does cortisol affect glucose metabolism?

  Cortisol inhibits glucose uptake by body tissues, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
• What is the significance of the circadian rhythm in cortisol secretion?

  The circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of CRH, ACTH, and cortisol throughout the day.
• What happens to cortisol levels during stress?

  Cortisol levels increase in response to stress.
• What is the role of the liver in cortisol metabolism?

  The liver inactivates cortisol and conjugates it for excretion.
• What is the feedback mechanism of cortisol on the HPA axis?

  Cortisol inhibits the release of CRH and ACTH, providing negative feedback to the HPA axis.
• What are the symptoms of hypercortisolism?

  Symptoms include hyperglycemia, muscle wasting, and hypertension.
• What is the role of glucocorticoids in the central nervous system?


  Glucocorticoids modulate CNS function and can affect mood and behavior.
• What is the effect of cortisol on bone formation?

  Cortisol inhibits bone formation.