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Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses01:30

Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

Adrenergic agonists have diverse therapeutic uses across various medical conditions and emergencies.
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Sick adrenal or sick euadrenal?

Bala Venkatesh1, Jeremy Cohen

  • 1Princess Alexandra and Wesley Hospitals, and University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD. bala_venkatesh@health.qld.gov.au

Critical Care and Resuscitation : Journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Glucocorticoid supplementation in septic shock is debated. Current tests don't identify cellular corticosteroid deficiency, suggesting a "sick euadrenal state" rather than true adrenal insufficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The use of glucocorticoids in septic shock is controversial, primarily due to the assumption of relative adrenal insufficiency.
  • Current diagnostic methods rely on plasma cortisol levels and corticotropin response, which may not accurately reflect cellular corticosteroid status.

Discussion:

  • Plasma cortisol measurements do not consistently correlate with the body's functional adrenal response to critical illness.
  • Cellular adaptations, including pre-receptor modifications and altered receptor density, occur during stress but are not detected by plasma assays.
  • This suggests that patients in severe stress may present with a "sick euadrenal state" rather than true adrenal insufficiency.

Key Insights:

  • Plasma cortisol levels and corticotropin stimulation tests are unreliable indicators of cellular corticosteroid deficiency in septic shock.

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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands

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Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
08:37

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands

Published on: October 2, 2018

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

  • The "sick euadrenal state" hypothesis posits that the adrenal gland functions adequately at a cellular level despite altered plasma cortisol levels.
  • This challenges the current rationale for routine glucocorticoid supplementation in septic shock.

    • Outlook:

    • Further research is needed to develop reliable biomarkers for cellular corticosteroid function in critical illness.
    • Re-evaluation of current treatment guidelines for glucocorticoid therapy in septic shock may be warranted.
    • Understanding the "sick euadrenal state" could lead to more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.