Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (SAID) administered to patients as an immunosuppressant for a variety of diseases. For patients who receive high doses or over a long period of time, the adrenal gland will becomes less responsive to the hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Based on this, which of the following statements are correct? (Select all that apply.)
a. Adrenal gland cells respond by down-regulation of ACTH receptors.
b. Adrenal gland cells respond by up-regulation of ACTH receptors.
c. Chronic, high levels of prednisone provide feedback to the anterior pituitary, to secrete less ACTH.
d. Chronic, high blood levels of prednisone provide feedback to the anterior pituitary, to secrete more ACTH.
e. The adrenal gland secretes more cortisol.
f. The adrenal gland secretes less cortisol.