Chapter 45, Problem 10TYU

Summary Introduction

To interpret the data: To find the abnormal activity of pituitary or adrenal gland in a patient who used dexamethasone drug.

Concept introduction:

The adrenal cortex acts through the endocrine system under the stressful conditions, such as reduced level of blood sugar, volume and pressure. It stimulates the hypothalamus to secrete the releasing hormone.  Then the releasing hormone stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary. From the pituitary ACTH reaches the adrenal cortex through blood circulation and stimulates corticosteroids secretion. Two types of corticosteroids found in humans namely, glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids or cortisol activates glucose synthesis from protein are also involved in the breakdown of proteins into amino acids in muscles.