ENDOCRINE COURSE

ADRENAL STEROID HORMONES

QUIZ

1. Increased activity of 17-α-hydroxylase can enhance the

synthesis of the following hormone

A. cortisol
B. aldosterone
C. progesterone
D. pregnenolone
E. corticosterone

2. The following metabolic effects are enhanced due to increased

cortisol EXCEPT:
A. gluconeogenesis in the liver
B. glycogenesis in the liver
C. protein synthesis in the liver
D. lipolysis in the extremities
E. protein synthesis in the muscle

3. In Cushing’s syndrome there is increased loss of free water

due to the

A. inhibition of cortisol on atrial natriuretic factor

B. enhanced secretion of aldosterone
C. inhibition of cortisol on antidiuretic hormone
D. increased sodium channels in the kidney tubule.
E. increased reabsorption of sodium.
4. When the level of ACTH increases, the synthesis of cortisol is
enhanced because there is

A. increased production of progesterone.

B. increased production of cholesterol from cholestryl ester.
C. increased production of intracellular receptors.
D. suppression of the activity of 17-α-hydroxylase.
E. suppression of the synthesis of aldosterone.

5. Biosynthesis of cortisol involves the following intermediates

EXCEPT

A. pregnenolone.
B. progesterone.
C. corticosterone
D. deoxycortisol
E. 17-hydroxy-pregnenolone
 6. Match the following laboratory findings with the most
probable diagnoses

Diagnosis

1. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

2. Cushing’s Disease
3. Cushing’s Syndrome with Adrenal Adenoma
4. Cushing’s Syndrome with Ectopic ACTH secretion
5. Addison’s Disease
6. Conn’s Syndrome / Aldosteronism
7. Phaeochromocytoma

Laboratory Finding

1. The level of cortisol is not suppressed after a high dose of

dexamethasone and the ACTH level is low.
CS with adrenal adenoma

2. Increased level of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

pheochromocytoma

3. A lack of increase in the plasma level of cortisol following

cosyntropin injection.
Addison’s disease

4. Increased level of DHEA-S with decreased levels of cortisol

and aldosterone.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

5. Decreased level of renin in the plasma.

Conn’s syndrome
7. State whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE

i) Angiotensin III can increase blood pressure F

ii) Increased level of potassium in the blood stimulates the

release of aldosterone T

iii) Cortisol suppresses the production of prostaglandins. T

iv) Hypersecretion of aldosterone can cause hypertension T

v) Aldosterone enhances secretion of H+ by the kidney T

vi) Administration of metyrapone will increase the level of

deoxycortisol in a patient with Addison’s disease. F

8. Briefly describe the mechanism of action of aldosterone

(3 marks).