This can be explained via the hypothalamic – pituitary – adrenal (HPA) axis.

This in turn causes hypotension and anorexia, in contrast to hypertension and truncal obesity in Cushing’s disease.Ī unique symptom of Addison’s disease is hyperpigmentation, particularly in the creases of the hand and in the mouth. Whereas Cushing’s disease is due to an excess of cortisol, Addison’s disease is due to a lack of cortisol, commonly due to autoimmune destruction of the adrenal corte x. In the Zona Fasciculata, the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase catalyses the final step of the reaction that forms Cortisol and Corticosterone.Īdditionally the secretion of cortisol follows a diurnal pattern with more being secreted in the mornings.Īddison’s disease is the opposite disease to Cushing’s disease in many ways. It is the presence or lack of specific enzymes in each Zona that determines which hormones are secreted.

The metabolites of the synthesis pathway are moved in and out of the mitochondria, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the cytoplasm. Cholesterol can then be converted to a steroid called Pregnenolone via an enzyme of the cytochrome P450 superfamily called cholesterol desmolase.įrom Pregnenolone, all the major secreted mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and androgens can be synthesised in a multi-step enzyme-assisted pathway.

The first step is initiated by the actions of ACTH and Angiotensin II activating adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C respectively. Cholesterol is the major precursor for all steroids secreted. Learn more about the endocrine system and the different hormones released by the endocrine glands.The synthesis pathway of the steroids secreted by the Zonas of the adrenal gland is complex. Symptoms can include early puberty in boys and male features in girls.Ĭonn’s syndrome, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism, is a condition in which one or both adrenal glands produce more of the hormone aldosterone than normal, leading to high blood pressure. You might also have fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, depression, cravings, irregular menstruation or low blood pressure.Ĭongenital adrenal hyperplasia is an inherited group of conditions in which the adrenal glands produce excess male sex hormones.

If you have Addison’s disease, you will have a poor appetite and lose weight. Cushing's syndrome is usually caused by taking steroid medication for a long time, but it can sometimes be caused by a tumour of the adrenal gland.Īddison’s disease is caused by the adrenal glands failing to make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. This causes a variety of problems, such as weight gain, a flushed face, bruising and diabetes. What medical conditions are related to the adrenal glands?Ĭushing's syndrome is a condition where the body has too much cortisol.

Secretes cortisol and aldosterone