Tag: Hormones

Introduction

The human body contains a variety of endocrine glands that secrete various hormones, each with a unique function. To maintain the body’s normal physiological state, each hormone must be present in sufficient amounts. Any variation in an endocrine gland’s hormone release obviously affects the body’s natural state of health. One adrenal gland is located above each kidney in a pair. Blood pressure, stress reactions, and body metabolism are all influenced by the adrenal hormones. Adrenal insufficiency is the term used to explain when the body produces less of these hormones than is necessary.

What is the Adrenal gland?

Adrenal glands are the triangular-shaped, small-sized glands lying on the top of each kidney. For this reason, they are also called the suprarenal glands. A cross-section of the adrenal gland shows two layers where the outer layer is called the cortex, and the inner layer is called the medulla.

The largest portion of the gland is the outer adrenal cortex. Zones glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis make up its structure. At the center of the triangle, gland is the inner adrenal medulla. The cortex and medulla of the gland are shielded by an exterior capsule to maintain their endocrine activity.

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Hormones secreted

The cortex and medulla produce separate endocrine secretions. Different hormones with various roles are secreted by the adrenal cortex’s various zones.

Adrenal cortical hormones: Three distinct hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex from its three layers.

1. Glucocorticoids: The zona fasciculata layer of the adrenal cortex secretes the main glucocorticoid hormone, cortisol. It is the body’s own natural steroid and is released in response to stress. The hormone cortisol regulates the body’s blood pressure, metabolism, and sleep-wake cycle. The body can better handle stress and emergency situations thanks to it as well. By encouraging its creation, cortisol also keeps the body’s levels of glucose stable.
2. Mineralocorticoids: The main mineralocorticoid released by the zona glomerulosa is aldosterone. Aldosterone’s primary job is to keep the body’s electrolyte and water balance in check. It works by telling the kidneys to remove potassium from the body and reabsorb sodium into the bloodstream.
3. Adrenal Androgens: The androgens secreted by the zona reticularis include testosterone and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), which are known as adrenal androgens. Male hormones called adrenal androgens are weak. Although females also release testosterone, the majority of it is a precursor that is transformed into estrogens in the ovaries.

Hormones of the adrenal medulla:

• Catecholamines are a broad term for adrenal medullary hormones. They contribute to the physiological effects of stress. The catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline). 
• The stress-related blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, pupil dilation, and pale discoloration are brought on by the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine. They are known as the flight and fear hormones for this reason.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland, regulates the release of androgens and glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands. The hypothalamic secretions corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and vasopressin regulate the pituitary’s release of ACTH.

Diseases related to insufficiency

The release of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens can be impaired by damage to the cortical tissue or any malfunction. The condition is known as adrenal insufficiency. There could be a number of causes for this condition.

1. Primary adrenal insufficiency:

• It is also known as autoimmune adrenalitis or Addison’s disease. It happens as a result of disease in the cortical region of the adrenal glands. 
• It is characterised by diminished adrenal gland function. 
• It develops as a result of autoantibodies targeting the adrenocortical enzymes causing the self-destruction of adrenal tissues. 
• Other reasons include malignancies, infections with syphilis or tuberculosis, and adrenal haemorrhage.

2. Secondary adrenal insufficiency:

• It happens when the pituitary gland does not secrete enough ACTH to support adequate levels of adrenal hormone output. 
• Traumatic brain damage and panhypopituitarism cause this disease.

3. Tertiary adrenal insufficiency:

• This results from the hypothalamus’s insufficient secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). 
• Patients who undergo particular operations to treat Cushing’s syndrome have also reported experiencing it.

Compared to the other two kinds, primary adrenal insufficiency is more common. The medulla is largely unaffected, whereas the cortex is impaired. As a result, the production of aldosterone and cortisol decreases in those with this illness.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint pains
• Hyperpigmentation
• Weight loss
• Salt cravings
• Low blood pressure and hypotension
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased body hair in women
• Decreased libido
• Low blood glucose 

The participants are examined for preexisting hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypoglycemia as soon as symptoms appear. Adrenal insufficiency is established with blood tests, including those for ACTH, cortisol, renin, and aldosterone, and is then successfully treated. Hormone replacement therapy is a significant component of treatment.

Summary

Adrenal glands are the triangular-shaped, small-sized glands lying on the top of each kidney. The largest portion of the gland is the outer adrenal cortex. Catecholamines are a broad term for adrenal medullary hormones. They contribute to the physiological effects of stress. Primary adrenal insufficiency is also known as autoimmune adrenalitis or Addison’s disease. It happens as a result of disease in the cortical region of the adrenal glands.

FAQ’s

1. Define autoantibodies?
   Ans. Autoantibodies are proteins synthesised by one’s own immune system owing to the destruction of one’s self-tissues and organs. Due to autoantibodies produced by Addison’s disease, the adrenal cortex is destroyed, leading to impaired hormonal secretion and dysfunction.

2. Is adrenal insufficiency potentially fatal?
   Ans. With the right care and safety measures, someone with adrenal insufficiency can lead a normal life. Untreated conditions including high potassium, low sodium, and low sugar levels in the body linked to low blood pressure can have fatal consequences.

3. What do you mean by steroid hormones?
   Ans. Steroid hormones are all hormones that are biochemically steroid-like. Since lipids constitute the foundation of these macromolecules, they are called fat-soluble hormones and naturally come from cholesterol. The two groups of steroid hormones are corticosteroids and sex steroids, which are both secreted by the adrenal cortex and the gonads, respectively.

4. Write a note on catecholamines?
   Ans. Catecholamines are natural amines with neurotransmitter properties. Chemically, they are benzene rings with hydroxyl amine groups. Stress manifestation functions are carried out by the catecholamines the adrenal medulla secretes.

5. What is the function of hypothalamus?
   Ans. The brain region with endocrine functions is called the hypothalamus. It secretes hormones that regulate the pituitary’s release of a variety of hormones that regulate a range of bodily functions.

Introduction

A system of ductless glands that secrete hormones is known as an endocrine gland system. In the blood, hormones are carried directly to their target organs as chemical messengers. As hormones are synthesized in certain tissues, they trigger a cascade of events that allow for certain cellular responses. Adrenal glands are located above the kidney. They are divided into regions cortex and medulla. Both regions produce hormones that regulate electrolyte balance.

What are Adrenal Glands?

The body contains two adrenal glands. These are located above each kidney. They are a part of our endocrine system. Despite their small size, the adrenal glands are quite important for your body’s hormone-related functions. As a result, elements that affect your adrenal glands may have a big impact on your general health. If you believe you might have an adrenal problem, see a doctor.

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Location of Gland

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that are located over the lateral surface of each kidney’s upper poles. The adrenal glands are located at the back of the abdomen, between the kidney and the ribs. They are triangular, and the parietal peritoneum only covers the front of them. The right gland is pyramid-shaped, while the left gland is moderately-lunar.

                                    

Hormones Secreted by Adrenal Gland 

• The gland’s outer layer is called the cortex. It generates both cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla is the gland’s most interior area. It generates both adrenaline and noradrenaline.
• Epinephrine, also referred to as adrenaline, is a hormone that responds swiftly to anxiety by quickening the heartbeat and raising blood sugar levels in the body. 
• Corticosterone controls the immune system and reduces inflammation in conjunction with hydrocortisone. 
• Cortisol: With the help of cortisol, the body controls and utilizes fats, protein, and carbohydrates. In addition, it weakens the immune system and affects physiology, which the body uses to help it cope with worry. 
• Aldosterone: helps the kidneys keep the blood and tissues of the body’s healthy salt chloride level. 
• Norepinephrine, also referred to as noradrenaline, works in conjunction with epinephrine to respond to anxiety. Its primary function is to prepare the body and mind for combat.

Function

• The adrenal glands are responsible for producing several hormones that help control blood pressure, produce several reproductive hormones, and maintain the proper level of salt in our blood and cells. 
• The adrenal glands’ release of stress-inducing hormones causes one of the most well-known reactions, the “conflict of the panic response.” 
• When and how rapidly an adolescent develops their reproductive system, helping during birth 
• Our endocrine system’s pituitary gland, also known as the “master gland,” controls our adrenal glands. The main controller of your endocrine glands is the pituitary gland, which is located inside your skull. Abnormal signals may interfere with the number of hormones your pituitary gland advises your adrenal glands to generate.

Disease-related to the Adrenal Gland

Adrenal gland dysfunction might manifest when 

• When your master gland is unable to efficiently regulate your hormone production, the adrenal glands may form benign or non-malignant tumours or harmful or cancerous tumours. 
• Can suffer from disorders of the adrenal glands. 
• People are born with particular gene diseases.

Cushing’s Disease

People with Cushing’s syndrome have excessive cortisol production from their adrenal glands. The most common cause of this is prolonged use of high dosages of corticosteroids. Lupus, arthritis, and pneumonia are just a few of the disorders that are treated with corticosteroids. They have cortisol-like effects throughout the body. 

Symptoms:

• The round face, the fat accumulation at the base of the neck, and the fat bulge between the arms.
• Skinny arms and thighs
• Gaining weight unnecessarily
• Prone to scarring skin
• On the hips, chest, and stomach, there are wide, violet stretch marks.

Addison Disease

A rare autoimmune ailment called Addison’s disease may develop when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. This self-harm sickness may cause your immune cells to attack the tissues of your adrenal glands. 

Symptoms: 

• Arterial pressure is high despite the weight 
• Loss or gain without cause. 
• Hyperglycemia or intolerance to glucose 
• low amounts of potassium 
• Discomfort, stress, or panic episodes

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Extremely little cortisol is synthesized in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disease. Furthermore, persons who have this condition may also have additional hormonal issues in which their bodies create too much testosterone but not enough aldosterone.

Symptoms: 

• Early acne, body hair, beards, or loud voices (women)
• Rapid growth in children
• Sterility due to underarm hair

Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a malignant tumour that often develops on the exterior of the adrenal gland. Oftentimes, this type of tumour is only found after it has spread to the body’s other systems over generations.

Summary

The adrenal glands are located above the kidney. Despite their small size, the adrenal glands are quite important for your body’s hormone-related functions. The gland’s outer layer is called the cortex. It generates both cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands’ release of stress-inducing hormones causes one of the most well-known reactions, the “conflict of the panic response.” When your master gland is unable to efficiently regulate your hormone production, the adrenal glands may form benign or non-malignant tumours or harmful or cancerous tumours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to have both Adrenal Glands to Survive?
Ans. Since the adrenal glands are necessary for human survival, removing both of them (which is quite unusual) forces the patient to take medications and hormone replacements.

2. Is it Possible to live with just one Adrenal Gland?
Ans. Your doctor will administer painkillers to you. Your body can function regularly if your adrenal gland is working properly. If both of your adrenal glands were lost or if your remaining adrenal gland isn’t functioning properly, you might take medication every day to restore the hormones they were making.

3. Do the Adrenal Glands play a role in Digestion?
Ans. The adrenal glands release the stress hormone cortisone to inhibit bodily processes like the immune response and digestion that are not necessary for immediate survival.

4. What are Hormones that make us Drained?
Ans. The adrenal glands also create the hormone aldosterone, which is problematic since it helps regulate your body’s normal fluid and electrolyte balances. As adrenal depletion increases, it makes your body generate less aldosterone, which results in dryness and electrolyte imbalances.