1. Jon and Jane have both been diagnosed with
hypersecretion of cortisol (hypercortisolism). They
are each given dexamethasone, a drug used to
suppress the secretion of adrenocorticotrophic
hormone (ACTH) by the anterior pituitary. Jon's
cortisol secretion falls to normal levels, but Jane's
cortisol secretion remains elevated.
a. How are the causes of Jon's and Jane's
hypercortisolism different?
b. Which one of them has primary
hypercortisolism?
2. Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal
insufficiency and hypocortisolism, is a long-term
endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands cannot
produce cortisol.
a. Which type of hormone is cortisol?
(peptide/steroid/amine)
b. Where in a target cell might you find a receptor
for cortisol?
c. In an individual with Addison's disease, would
you expect the levels of ACTH to be high, low, or
normal? Why?
