Glucocorticoids gland function

Adrenal gland A triangle-shaped organ positioned at the top of the kidney which functions as a double endocrine gland . The larger outer adrenal cortex secretes three classes of steroid hormones glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), minerlocorticoids (aldosterone) and small amounts of sex steroids (e.g., testosterone). The inner adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines (e.g., adrenaline and noradrenaline). 

The rate equation describes the variation in response variable R (with initial value of Rq) the measure response appears at a constant rate (zero order) of and is eliminafed by the first-order constant. The indirect response models will generally fall info fwo caf-egories inhibition or stimulation function. The inhibition response is classically described in ferms of IC q, fhe drug concenfration fhaf produce 50% of maximal inhibition (e.g., action of S5mfhefic glucocorticoid on adrenal glands or effecf of furosemide on sodium absorption in fhe loop of Henley) and is a number from 0 fo 1 where 1 represents total inhibition ... 

The secretion is stimulated by ACTH from the anterior lobe of pituitary gland. Cortisone and hydrocortisone are the main glucocorticoids and their main function is to regulate carbohydrate metabolism. 

When markedly impaired growth is noted in patients treated with glucocorticoids long-term or in pulses, it is necessary to assess pituitary function and the anatomy of the pituitary gland. Children who receive glucocorticoid pulse therapy may develop an empty sella more frequently than is usually recognized. 

Inhibition of the function of the sebaceous glands in the skin is caused by glucocorticoids whilst androgens stimulate their function (170). 

The adrenal glands are sensitive to the toxic effects of suramin both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid functions can be impaired at doses normally used, necessitating replacement therapy (1081). 

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mediates the sodium-retaining effects of aldosterone in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon. The human MR gene was cloned in 1987 and bears structural and functional kinships to the glucocorticoid receptor (11). It consists of 984 amino acids, spans 60 90 kb on chromosome 4q31.2 (50,51) and contains 10 exons including two exons (la and 1 p) that encode different 5 untranslated sequences whose expression is controlled by two different promoters (52). 

There are many types of steroid hormones in the body, such as the sex/gonadal hormones testosterone and estrogen, thyroid hormones, growth hormones, and stress hormones, which serve various normal functions. One type of steroid— corticosteroids or glucocorticoids—is secreted by the adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys). These steroids, particularly synthetic versions of them, have powerful antiinflammatory actions that help to relieve pain. They are often given as an epidural injection to relieve neck or back pain that results from a compressed or pinched nerve. They can also be injected directly into a joint to relieve pain caused by inflammation in conditions such as tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons), carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, bursitis (inflammation of sac-like cavities in tendons or muscles that allow them to slide easily over bone), or other joint pain. Professional athletes, who routinely experience one or more of these conditions, are often given local steroid injections. Frequently, the steroid is combined with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine. 

As described, in Addison s disease adrenal cortex function is inadequate. The most common cause of Addison s disease is the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland. (The major cause of adrenal insufficiency before the 1920s was tuberculosis of the adrenal gland.) Addison s disease also results from prolonged glucocorticoid therapy. (Recall that certain glucocorticoids are used as anti-inflammatory chugs.)... 

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