Page 92 - Physiology and Pathophysiology MNU 2024-2025 نظرى

Clinical pharmacy 2024/2025 Level 2 Pharm D Physiology and Pathophysiology (MD303)
Zona Fasciculate

Releases glucocorticoids:

The primary glucocorticoid is cortisol.

Actions:

It exerts an anti – insulin effect in peripheral tissues:

Carbohydrate a.  gluconeogenesis
b. inhibiting glucose uptake
  BGL

Inhibit protein synthesis & promote protein breakdown  ↓ wound
Protein
healing & ↓antibody production [Immunosuppressant]

♠ Inhibit lipogenesis & increase release of FFA (lipolysis)

♠ FFA are used by muscle as a source of energy and glucose is
Fast metabolism
spared for the brain to use to form energy.
♠ unusual deposition of fat on the shoulder face and abdomen

Circulatory ➢ essential for the maintenance of normal circulatory function
➢ adrenalectomy leads to circulatory collapse
Skeletal Essential for the maintenance of muscular activity

The brain is extremely sensitive to glucocorticoids and variations
within the normal physiological range  produce detectable changes
Nervous system
in certain high functions [such as concentration, memory &
intellectual performance]

Anti- inflammatory effect

Control

The release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex is regulated by several factors:

 Exhibit marked diurnal variation due to the diurnal secretion of CRH 
secretion of ACTH.
Circadian

rhythm a.  at night and peaks in the early morning just before rising (4
A.M. to 8 A.M.).

b. The levels of ACTH then gradually fall during the day to a low

point late in the evening (between 12 P.M. and 4 P.M.)

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