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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

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.
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis01:20

Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis

Tachyphylaxis is described as a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated or continuous administration of the same drug dose. It is a phenomenon where the body becomes less responsive to a particular substance or intervention over time, requiring higher doses or stronger interventions to achieve the same effect. It results from adaptive changes in the body's receptors, signaling pathways, or physiological processes that occur in response to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.
Several...
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...
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.
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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...
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...

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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

Dexamethasone suppression of adrenocortical function.

A M Sharp, D J Handelsman, R M Ristuccia

    Clinical Chemistry
    |June 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Dexamethasone effectively suppresses adrenocortical function. A single 1 mg evening dose or 0.5 mg daily long-term dose is sufficient for suppressing plasma corticotropin and cortisol, with long-term use also impacting dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

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

    Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

    Published on: March 12, 2019

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Adrenocortical function is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
    • Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid used to suppress the HPA axis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the minimum effective evening doses of dexamethasone for suppressing adrenocortical function.
    • To evaluate the impact of short- and long-term dexamethasone treatment on specific hormone levels.

    Main Methods:

    • Laboratory staff received varying evening doses of dexamethasone.
    • Plasma concentrations of corticotropin, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured the following day.

    Main Results:

    • A single 1 mg evening dose of dexamethasone was the minimum for effective suppression.
    • A long-term evening dose of 0.5 mg per day was found to be effective.
    • Plasma corticotropin and cortisol were consistently suppressed by these regimens.
    • Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate suppression was observed only with long-term treatment.

    Conclusions:

    • Dexamethasone is a potent suppressor of adrenocortical function.
    • Specific dosages are effective for short- and long-term HPA axis suppression.
    • Long-term dexamethasone treatment has a more pronounced effect on dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels.