Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards to aid in studying glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, covering their mechanisms, effects, indications, and adverse reactions.

What are hormones?

Substances of intense biological activity produced by specific cells in the body and transported through circulation to target cells.

What is the primary mechanism of action for corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids penetrate cell membranes, combine with cytoplasmic receptors, migrate to the nucleus, and bind to specific genes to mediate mRNA synthesis.

What do glucocorticoids regulate?

Carbohydrate, protein, and fats metabolism.

What is the main effect of glucocorticoids on carbohydrate metabolism?

They promote glycogen deposition in the liver and gluconeogenesis, resulting in hyperglycemia.

What is the impact of glucocorticoids on protein metabolism?

They promote protein breakdown from peripheral tissues, leading to negative nitrogen balance.

What are the effects of glucocorticoids on fat metabolism?

They promote lipolysis and cause redistribution of body fat.

What is 'moon face' and what causes it?

A side effect of glucocorticoids caused by fat redistribution.

How do glucocorticoids affect calcium metabolism?

They inhibit intestinal absorption and enhance renal excretion of calcium.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on water excretion?

They reduce the capacity to excrete water in adrenal insufficiency, leading to water intoxication.

How do glucocorticoids affect the cardiovascular system?

They restrict capillary permeability and cause cutaneous vasoconstriction.

What CNS effects can glucocorticoids have?

Mild euphoria, insomnia, hypomania, or depression.

What happens in patients with Addison’s disease?

They experience apathy, depression, and occasionally psychosis.

How do glucocorticoids affect gastric secretions?

They increase the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, which may aggravate peptic ulcers.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on lymphoid tissue?

They enhance destruction of lymphoid cells and increase the number of circulating RBCs, platelets, and neutrophils.

How do glucocorticoids influence inflammatory responses?

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

What immunological effects do glucocorticoids have?

They impair immunological competence and suppress hypersensitization and allergic responses.

What is the principal action of mineralocorticoids?

Enhancement of sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney.

What is a major adverse effect of excessive mineralocorticoid action?

Fluid retention and hypertension.

What are the different classifications of glucocorticoids based on duration?

Short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.

Which glucocorticoid is rapidly acting but has a short duration?

Hydrocortisone (cortisol).

What is prednisolone used for?

Allergic, inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies.

How does methylprednisolone differ from prednisolone?

Methylprednisolone is slightly more potent and selective.

What is the use of triamcinolone?

Used for a variety of conditions, available for oral, intramuscular, and topical use.

What is dexamethasone primarily used for?

Inflammatory and allergic conditions.

What is the main use of fludrocortisone?

Replacement therapy in Addison’s disease.

List some adverse drug reactions of glucocorticoids.

Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, fragile skin, infections, and growth retardation.

What are some contraindications for glucocorticoid use?

Peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, infections, and renal failure.

What is the role of glucocorticoids in organ transplantation?

They are used for immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection.

What is the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids in asthma?

They act as anti-inflammatory agents to manage symptoms.

How do glucocorticoids affect appetite?

They can increase appetite, contributing to weight gain.

What are ‘fish mouth’ and ‘buffalo hump’?

Conditions resulting from fat redistribution due to glucocorticoids.

What effect do glucocorticoids have on the kidneys?

They affect sodium and fluid balance, impacting blood volume.

What is the significance of the sodium retention action of mineralocorticoids?

It is essential for maintaining blood volume and pressure.

What is the relationship between glucocorticoids and insulin?

Glucocorticoids induce insulin resistance.

What is the role of glucocorticoids in treating severe allergic reactions?

They suppress inflammatory responses and immune reactions.

What potential psychiatric effect is associated with glucocorticoid use?

Psychosis or mood changes.

What metabolic disturbances can occur with glucocorticoid therapy?

Cushing's syndrome, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia.

How do glucocorticoids affect respiratory conditions?

They reduce inflammation in the airways, easing breathing.

What are the effects of glucocorticoids on the digestive system?

They can increase gastric acid secretion, leading to ulcers.

What is the recommended treatment for Addison’s disease?

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

What is the reason for mineralocorticoid treatment?

To restore sodium balance and blood pressure.

What is one of the main considerations when prescribing glucocorticoids?

Monitoring for potential adverse effects.

What is the therapeutic action of glucocorticoids in autoimmune diseases?

They suppress inappropriate immune responses.

What group of patients is particularly vulnerable to glucocorticoid side effects?

Diabetic patients, due to effects on blood sugar.

How prolonged use of glucocorticoids affects adrenal glands?

It can lead to adrenal suppression and insufficiency.

Why are glucocorticoids used in treating cerebral edema?

To reduce inflammation and swelling.

Describe the impact of glucocorticoids on heat regulation.

They can affect thermoregulation, potentially leading to increased body temperature.

What role do glucocorticoids play in fetal development?

They influence lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress.

What long-term effects can glucocorticoids have on bone health?

They can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.

What is the significance of the half-life of glucocorticoids?

It determines the duration of action and dosing schedule.

In which conditions are mineralocorticoids particularly effective?

Conditions related to adrenal insufficiency.

What is the immediate action of glucocorticoids during an allergy attack?

To suppress inflammation and allergic reactions.

How can glucocorticoids lead to weight gain?

By increasing appetite and inducing fat redistribution.

What laboratory tests might be affected by glucocorticoid therapy?

Blood glucose levels and white blood cell counts.

What is the relationship between glucocorticoids and the HPA axis?

Long-term use can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

What precautions should be taken when discontinuing glucocorticoids?

Gradual tapering is necessary to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

What condition is commonly treated with glucocorticoids in rheumatology?

Rheumatoid arthritis.

How do glucocorticoids alleviate pain?

By reducing inflammation and inflammatory mediators.

What is the dosing strategy for glucocorticoids in acute conditions?

Higher initial doses followed by gradual tapering.