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Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

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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...
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Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

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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...
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Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

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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...
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Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

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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...
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

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The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
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Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

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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...
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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

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Adrenocortical endocrine disruption.

Philip W Harvey1

  • 1Toxicology Department, Covance Laboratories Ltd., Otley Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1PY, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The adrenal cortex is overlooked in endocrine disruption testing, despite its vital role and vulnerability to chemical inhibition. This review highlights the need for assessing adrenocortical function to understand environmental chemical impacts.

Keywords:
Adrenal cortexAdrenal hypertrophyAdrenal toxicityAdrenocortical insufficiencyH295R cell lineSteroidogenesisStressToxicity

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Toxicology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • The adrenal cortex, crucial for vital hormone production, is largely ignored in endocrine disruption regulatory testing strategies.
  • Adrenocortical insufficiency and developmental syndromes underscore the organ's importance and vulnerability to steroidogenesis inhibition.
  • Numerous environmental chemicals target steroidogenic pathways, raising concerns about low-level exposure effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the exclusion of adrenocortical testing in regulatory frameworks.
  • To identify factors making the adrenal cortex susceptible to toxic insult.
  • To examine chemicals, their targets in steroidogenesis, and manifestations of toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of adrenocortical function, toxicity, and testing models.
  • Discussion of in vivo ACTH challenge tests and H295R cell line utility.
  • Analysis of differentiating stress responses from toxicological adrenal effects.

Main Results:

  • Adrenocortical testing is omitted despite known vulnerabilities and chemical targets.
  • Examples of iatrogenic, toxicological, and wildlife-based adrenocortical dysfunction exist.
  • The H295R cell line and ACTH challenge test are valuable assessment tools.

Conclusions:

  • Regulatory frameworks must incorporate adrenocortical function assessment.
  • Understanding chemical impacts on steroidogenesis is critical for human and wildlife health.
  • Distinguishing toxicological adrenal effects from physiological stress responses is essential.