BMS 460 Lecture Notes - Dexamethasone Suppression Test, Carcinoid, Facial Hair
Document Summary
Hypofunction or insufficiency of adrenal cortex results in addison"s disease. The types of steroids a cell makes depend upon the types and concentrations of enzymes a cell has. Mutations affecting enzymes primarily responsible for the production of cortisol and mineralocorticoids can have secondary effects on sex steroid production. Acth elevated, causing an increased shift to sex hormones and masculinization. Increased deoxycorticosterone leading to fluid retention and hypertension. 21-hydroxylase deficiency impairs the synthesis of both cortisol and aldosterone. The resultant decrease in feedback inhibition causes increased secretion of acth, resulting ultimately in adrenal hyperplasia and increased synthesis of testosterone. Deficiency of 21- or 11 -hydroxylase in adrenals can have secondary effects on sex steroid production. Virilization can be ameliorated by administering oral steroids to the mother. Inhibits phospholipase a2 from converting membrane phospholipids to arachidonic acid. Inhibits cyclooxygenase from converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins.