6: Adrenal Gland and Pancreas

What are the 5 effects of cortisol on the body?

1. Muscle: Protein breakdown increases

2. Liver: Gluconeogenesis increases

3. Adipose: Lipolysis increases

4. Immune system: Immune suppression

5. Bone formation: Less calcium is kept in bone

What is gluconeogenesis?

Gluconeogenesis is the process of producing new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources mainly in the liver

What is lipolysis?

Lipolysis is the metabolic process where stored fat is broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids.

What is the net effect of cortisol on the body?

Blood glucose rises and fuel stays available through prolonged stress or fasting.

How can Cushing disease occur?

Hypersectretion of cortisol

What are the 6 symptoms of Cushing’s disease?

1. High blood glucose (Hyperglycemia)

2. Muscle wasting and weakness

3. Thin skin, easy bruising, stretch marks

4. Osteoporosis and slowed growth in children

5. Frequent infections

6. Round face, fat on abdomen and upper back

Why does hyperglycemia occur in Cushing’s disease?

Gluconeogenesis in the liver is high

Why does muscle wasting and weakness occur in Cushing’s disease?

Muscle protein breakdown is high

Why does Thin skin, easy bruising, and stretch marks occur in Cushing’s disease?

Protein breakdown in skin is high

Why does osteoporosis occur in Cushing’s disease?

Decreased bone formation and calcium in bones

Why do frequent infections occur in Cushing’s disease?

Immune supression

Why does round face and fat in abdomen and back occur in Cushing’s disease?

Fat stores redistribute to trunk and face

What is the function of aldesterone?

Affects the transportation of ions by the kidneys

How is aldesterone released?

A pathway calle the renin-angiotensin-aldesterone (RAAS)

What are the 4 effects of increased epinephrine in the body?

1. Increased heart rate and force of contractions

2. Smooth muscle relaxes and airways widen

3. Blood vessels constrict in skin and gut; widen in skeletal muscle (insreasing blood pressure)

4. Glycogen breaks down and gluconeogenesis increases, increasing blood glucose

What is the Islets of Langerhans?

Small clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that produce hormones that regulate blood glucose

What is the role of the Islets of Langerhans in hormone production?

Produces blood glucose-regulating hormones:

1. Insulin

2. Glucagon

What cells release insulin?

Beta cells

What cells release glucagon?

Delta cells

How does insulin influence blood glucose?

Lowers blood glucose

• Muscle cells and adipose tissue take up glucose

• Liver stores glycogen

How does glucagon influence blood glucose?

Raises blood glucose

• Liver breaks down glycogen and makes new glucose