Disorders of the Adrenal Gland
Learning Outcomes of Session
• Explore the anatomy of the adrenal gland
• Understand the regulation and action of Adrenal hormones.
• Compare the aetiology, signs and symptoms and treatment associated with:
– Cushing’s disease
– Addison’s disease
Adrenal Gland
• Adrenal glands located on top of the
kidneys and weigh around 8-10g
• Made of outer cortex and inner
medulla.
• Cortex is divided into three zones:
zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata
and zona reticularis.
Adrenal hormones
Steroid hormones Amine hormones
The adrenal cortex secretes steroid based hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and
adrenal androgens. Their precursor is cholesterol.
The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines e.g. noradrenaline, adrenaline and small
amounts of dopamine – these hormones are responsible for the physiological characteristics
of 'fight or flight' response.
, Steroid hormone synthesis
Steroid hormones are synthesised from the main precursor, cholesterol.
Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases are a group of enzymes that are involved in the conversion
of cholesterol to steroid hormones.
3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) is necessary to produce many hormones
including cortisol, aldosterone, androgens, and oestrogen.
Mutations can cause 3β-HSD deficiency.
All types of 3β-HSD deficiency interfere with the production of a variety of hormones and
lead to abnormalities of sexual development and maturation.
Glucocorticoids
• Glucocorticoids are produced in the zona fasciculate section of the cortex
• Primary hormone is cortisol – stress hormone.
• Secreted during stress and maintains blood glucose concentration
• Too much cortisol can cause problems.
Action of Cortisol
Learning Outcomes of Session
• Explore the anatomy of the adrenal gland
• Understand the regulation and action of Adrenal hormones.
• Compare the aetiology, signs and symptoms and treatment associated with:
– Cushing’s disease
– Addison’s disease
Adrenal Gland
• Adrenal glands located on top of the
kidneys and weigh around 8-10g
• Made of outer cortex and inner
medulla.
• Cortex is divided into three zones:
zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata
and zona reticularis.
Adrenal hormones
Steroid hormones Amine hormones
The adrenal cortex secretes steroid based hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and
adrenal androgens. Their precursor is cholesterol.
The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines e.g. noradrenaline, adrenaline and small
amounts of dopamine – these hormones are responsible for the physiological characteristics
of 'fight or flight' response.
, Steroid hormone synthesis
Steroid hormones are synthesised from the main precursor, cholesterol.
Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases are a group of enzymes that are involved in the conversion
of cholesterol to steroid hormones.
3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) is necessary to produce many hormones
including cortisol, aldosterone, androgens, and oestrogen.
Mutations can cause 3β-HSD deficiency.
All types of 3β-HSD deficiency interfere with the production of a variety of hormones and
lead to abnormalities of sexual development and maturation.
Glucocorticoids
• Glucocorticoids are produced in the zona fasciculate section of the cortex
• Primary hormone is cortisol – stress hormone.
• Secreted during stress and maintains blood glucose concentration
• Too much cortisol can cause problems.
Action of Cortisol
