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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...
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...
Toxicity Testing in Animals01:23

Toxicity Testing in Animals

Toxicity tests in animals are grounded on two main assumptions: first, the effects observed in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans, especially when adjusted for body surface area; second, high-dose exposure in animals is essential to identify potential human hazards from lower doses. This is based on the quantal dose-response concept, which faces the challenge of extrapolating results from relatively few test animals to much larger human populations. For example, a 0.01% incidence...
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...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...

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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

Defining normal adrenal function testing in the intensive care unit setting: a canine study.

Daniel A Sweeney1, Charles Natanson, Steven M Banks

  • 1Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. sweeneyda@cc.nih.gov

Critical Care Medicine
|December 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Intensive care therapies and frequent adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests alter cortisol levels in canines. Delta free cortisol remained unaffected, suggesting its potential reliability in critical care settings for adrenal insufficiency diagnosis.

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A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

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Published on: April 25, 2016

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
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Published on: September 15, 2017

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
04:33

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Published on: March 12, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Animal Research

Background:

  • Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function is routinely assessed in intensive care medicine.
  • The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is commonly used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of intensive care unit (ICU) therapies and frequent ACTH stimulation testing on HPA axis test results.
  • To determine if specific HPA measurements are reliable indicators in critically ill patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective 96-hour animal study was conducted on 24 healthy canines.
  • Animals were randomized to either awake/unrestrained conditions or ICU therapies (sedation, intubation, mechanical ventilation).
  • Dexamethasone or placebo was administered, and either four or seven ACTH stimulation tests were performed over 96 hours.

Main Results:

  • Sedation, intubation, and mechanical ventilation transiently increased basal and post-ACTH total and free cortisol concentrations.
  • Performing seven ACTH stimulation tests increased basal and post-ACTH total and free cortisol concentrations over 96 hours.
  • Dexamethasone suppressed basal total cortisol and increased delta total cortisol; however, delta free cortisol was unaffected by any intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Intensive care therapies and frequent ACTH testing significantly altered total and free cortisol measurements.
  • Delta free cortisol was the sole HPA measurement unaffected by sedation, mechanical ventilation, frequent testing, or dexamethasone.
  • Establishing normal HPA testing ranges in ICU patients is crucial before diagnosing relative adrenal insufficiency.