Adrenal Gland

Adrenal Gland
Anatomy was first described in 1563.

Is located above (or attached to) the upper pole of the kidney.
Is pyramidal in structure and weighs ~ 4 g. Consists of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla Activities are regulation of fluid volume and stress response

The Adrenal Gland: Anatomy

Adrenal Histology

Adrenal Cortex
Is divided into 3 zones in the adult gland: Zona Glomerulosa, Zona Fasciculata, Zona Rericularis. Is divided onto 4 zones in the fetal gland. The three zones of the permanent cortex constitutes only 20% of the fetal glands size. The remaining zone (fetal cortex) comprises up to 80% of glands size during fetal life.

Adrenal Cortex: Steroid Hormone Production

Aldosterone, sex hormones, cortisol Synthesized from cholesterolsteroid ring

Adrenal Cortex: Steroid Hormone Production

Cortisol and Chronic Stress

Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can lead to break down of muscle, excessive epinephrine release, hyperglycemia, weakening of bone, destruction of the immune system, inhibition of reproductive function, and other complications.

Cortisol Effects: Body Responses to Stress

Permissive effect on glucagon Memory, learning and mood Gluconeogenesis Skeletal muscle breakdown Lipolysis, calcium balance Immune depression Circadian rhythms

The General Adaptation Syndrome

The General Adaptation Syndrome

The General Adaptation Syndrome

Permissive Effects of Cortisol on Development

Cortisol is required for normal development: - permissive role in final maturation of many organs - required for synthesis of digestive enzymes, surfactant - required for skeletal growth in children

Mechanisms of Cortisol Action

The actions of cortisol are mediated through the glucocorticoid receptor. Intracellular receptor in steroid receptor superfamily. Stimulates transcription of target genes by interaction of bound receptor with GRE in 5 flanking region. Inhibits transcription of some genes by interaction of receptor with AP1 (jun/fos dimer), decreasing AP1mediated gene expression.
AP1
transcription

cortisol

GR
AP1 site

Hormone Effects on Gene Activity

Cortisol

Cortisol Effects: Body Responses to Stress to living

Control of Cortisol Secretion: Feedback Loops

External stimuli Hypothalamic Anterior Pituitary Adrenal cortex Tissues

Cortisol: Role in Diseases and Medication

Use as immunosuppressant
Hyperimmune reactions (bee stings) Serious side effects

Hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome)

Tumors (pituitary or adrenal) Iatrogenic (physician caused)

Hypocortisolism (Addison's disease)

Aldosterone
Exclusively synthesized in Z. Glomerulosa Essential for life.

Promotes sodium retention and Potassium elimination by the kidney. Expands ECF volume

Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion

Aldosterone: Role in Diseases

Complete failure to secrete aldosterone leads to death (dehydration, low blood volume).
Hyperalsdosterone states: Contribute to hypertension associated with increased blood volume.

Adrenal Medulla: A Modified Sympathetic Ganglion

Sympathetic stimulation
Catecholamine release to blood
Epinephrine Norepinephrine

Travel to:
Multiple targets Distant targets

Adrenal Medulla: A Modified Sympathetic Ganglion

Mechanism: Norepinephrine Release and Recycling

Review of Efferent Pathways: Motor and Autonomic

Catechalomines: Activity
Stimulates the fight or fight reaction Increased plasma glucose levels Increased cardiovascular function Increased metabolic function Decreased gastrointestinal and genitourinary function

Activity of Epinephrine