Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids Overview

These flashcards cover essential concepts, mechanisms, and clinical applications of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids as discussed in the lecture.

What is a hormone?

A substance of intense biological activity produced by specific cells in the body that regulates body functions.

What are glucocorticoids primarily involved in?

Regulating carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.

What does mineralocorticoids regulate?

Sodium, potassium, and fluid balance.

List one use of glucocorticoids.

Hormone replacement therapy.

How do glucocorticoids affect blood sugar levels?

They promote glycogen deposition and gluconeogenesis, which can lead to hyperglycemia.

What is the role of glucocorticoids in protein metabolism?

They promote protein breakdown from peripheral tissues.

What physiological change occurs due to glucocorticoids in fat distribution?

They promote lipolysis and cause redistribution of body fat.

What is a common side effect related to fat metabolism under glucocorticoids?

'Moon face' and 'buffalo hump' due to fat redistribution.

How do glucocorticoids affect calcium metabolism?

They inhibit intestinal absorption and enhance renal excretion of Ca2+.

What happens in adrenal insufficiency regarding water excretion?

The capacity to excrete water is markedly reduced, leading to a risk of water intoxication.

How do glucocorticoids affect capillary permeability?

They restrict capillary permeability.

What central nervous system side effect may occur with glucocorticoids?

Mild euphoria can occur with pharmacological doses.

How can glucocorticoids affect gastric acid secretion?

They increase the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin.

What impact do glucocorticoids have on lymphoid tissue?

They enhance the destruction of lymphoid cells, especially T cells.

How do glucocorticoids affect the number of red blood cells?

They increase the number of RBCs, platelets, and neutrophils in circulation.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on inflammatory responses?

They limit the recruitment of inflammatory cells and inhibit production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

How do glucocorticoids influence immunological competence?

They impair immunological competence and suppress hypersensitivity reactions.

What is the primary action of aldosterone?

Enhancement of Na+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney.

What is a main adverse effect of excessive mineralocorticoid action?

Fluid retention and hypertension.

What is the protocol for hydrocortisone replacement therapy?

20 mg in the morning + 10 mg in the afternoon orally.

How does prednisolone compare to hydrocortisone in potency?

It is 4 times more potent than hydrocortisone.

What is a key use for methylprednisolone?

Retention enema in ulcerative colitis.

What distinguishes dexamethasone from other glucocorticoids?

It is very potent and highly selective for inflammatory and allergic conditions.

What conditions can fludrocortisone be used to treat?

Replacement therapy in Addison's disease.

What are some common adverse reactions of glucocorticoids?

Fragile skin, hyperglycemia, infections, osteoporosis.

What are some contraindications for glucocorticoids?

Peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal failure.

How do glucocorticoids relate to psychiatric disturbances?

They can cause mood swings, depression, or psychosis.

What physiological state can be induced from glucocorticoids in terms of nitrogen balance?

Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism.

What impact do glucocorticoids have on eosinophils and basophils?

They decrease the numbers of eosinophils and basophils.

What is a significant risk of glucocorticoids in terms of growth in children?

Growth retardation.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on blood vessel reactions?

They cause cutaneous vasoconstriction when applied topically.

What type of state can glucocorticoids lead to if used excessively?

Cushing's syndrome.

Define the term glucocorticoid.

A type of steroid hormone that affects carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism.

What is the function of aldosterone?

Regulation of sodium and potassium levels in the body.

What physiological effect do glucocorticoids have on immune response?

They suppress overall immune response and hypersensitivities.

What can happen to adrenal functioning if glucocorticoids are withdrawn too rapidly?

Adrenal crisis may occur due to HPA axis suppression.

What is the major mineralocorticoid involved in sodium retention?

Aldosterone.

At what biological half-life does dexamethasone fall?

It has a biological half-life of over 36 hours.

How does mineralocorticoids affect blood volume?

They lead to decreased blood volume if sodium is not retained.

What is the role of glucocorticoids in metabolic syndrome?

They can contribute to insulin resistance and obesity.

What are side effects of glucocorticoids related to bones?

Osteoporosis and fractures.

What is a significant adverse effect of glucocorticoids during infections?

Increased risk of delayed healing.

What blood component counts can be increased by glucocorticoids?

Red blood cell, platelet, and neutrophil counts.

How can glucocorticoids help in cancer treatments?

By reducing inflammation and immune reaction in tumor management.

Which glucocorticoid is frequently used in asthma management?

Prednisone.

What condition might glucocorticoids exacerbate due to increased gastric acid secretion?

Peptic ulcers.

What is an endocrine effect of glucocorticoids on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis?

Suppression of HPA axis activity.

Why are glucocorticoids sometimes used in organ transplant patients?

To reduce the risk of organ rejection.

What is the importance of the timing of glucocorticoid administration?

Morning administration mimics natural cortisol rhythm.

What is a typical dose range for triamcinolone used Systemically?

4–32 mg/day orally.

What type of glucocorticoid is fludrocortisone?

A potent mineralocorticoid with some glucocorticoid activity.

What is an important consideration for patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Monitoring for adrenal insufficiency or HPA suppression.

What sensation can glucocorticoids cause in the treatment of inflammatory conditions?

A sense of euphoria or improvement in mood.

How is the effectiveness of glucocorticoids for allergies explained?

By suppressing immune responses that cause allergies.

What common side effect may occur due to high doses of glucocorticoids?

Cushingoid features like facial puffiness.

How do glucocorticoids impact muscle tissue?

They can lead to muscle wasting and weakness.

What is one serious side effect related to glucocorticoids and skin?

Skin thinning or fragility.

What is the potential impact of glucocorticoids on mood disorders?

They can exacerbate existing mood disorders or induce new ones.

Define mineralocorticoid.

A type of steroid hormone that helps manage electrolyte and water balance.

What is the relationship between glucocorticoids and diabetes?

Glucocorticoids can induce insulin resistance and worsen diabetes control.

What therapeutic use involves glucocorticoids and hematology?

Management of conditions like thrombocytopenia.

What is a long-term effect of glucocorticoids on growth?

Linear growth retardation in children.

Name a class of diseases glucocorticoids can treat.

Autoimmune diseases.

What glucocorticoid is commonly utilized for acute allergic reactions?

Prednisone.

What serious condition can arise from glucocorticoids affecting multicellular systems?

Increased infection risk.

Name one contraindication for using glucocorticoids in patients with skin conditions.

Active viral or fungal infections.

What adjustment in glucocorticoid dosage might be required for acute illnesses?

Increased dose during stress or illness.

How do glucocorticoids impact the body's electrolyte balance?

They can lead to disturbances in sodium and potassium levels.

What is the adverse effect associated with glucocorticoids and the eyes?

Increased risk of glaucoma.

What hormonal feedback does glucocorticoid administration disrupt?

Feedback inhibition on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Name one acute situation where glucocorticoids might be indicated.

Adrenal crisis.

In terms of heart conditions, what patient history might contraindicate glucocorticoids?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) history.

How do glucocorticoids affect fluid dynamics in the body?

They can promote fluid retention, affecting blood pressure.

What is the clinical significance of glucocorticoids in severe allergic reactions?

They are critical in managing anaphylaxis with rapid onset.

How frequently should patients on glucocorticoids be monitored for potential side effects?

Regularly, every few months, depending on dose and duration.

What is one important lifestyle consideration for patients on glucocorticoids?

Maintaining a balanced diet to counteract metabolic side effects.

What syndrome can result from prolonged use of glucocorticoids leading to obesity, hypertension, and blood sugar imbalance?

Cushing's syndrome.

What is an important adjustment for glucocorticoid therapy during surgery?

Higher glucocorticoid dosages may be required.

How do glucocorticoids facilitate recovery in patients with inflammatory diseases?

By reducing inflammation and managing pain.

What role do glucocorticoids play in managing respiratory diseases?

They reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.

What therapeutic class does fludrocortisone belong to?

Mineralocorticoids.