COMPARISON OF MINERALOCORTICOIDS

AND GLUCOCORTICOIDS
Mineralocorticoids Glucocorticoids

Where are they Zona glomerulosa of adrenal cortex in adrenal Adrenal cortex of adrenal glands
glands
produced?
• Aldosterone • Natural glucocorticoids: cortisone, hydrocortisone
Examples • 11-deoxycorticosterone • Synthetic glucocorticoids:
• 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone prednisolone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone

• Electrolyte balance • Regulate body functions

• Control and homeostasis of blood pressure
• Promote retention of sodium (Na) and
secretion of potassium (K) and hydrogen (H)
Function
• Control cell metabolism, growth, differentiation,
and apoptosis
• Immune modulatory mechanisms
• Potent suppressors of inflammation
• Immune-suppressive activities
• Synthetic glucocorticoids are prescribed
for treatment of inflammation, autoimmune,
and inflammatory diseases.

Secretion controlled in the target organ, Secretion controlled by the HPA

Secretion the kidney (cell in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis
of the kidneys)

Mineralocorticoid replacement therapy Produces familial glucocorticoid deficiency, adrenal

is needed for: glands can not produce glucocorticoids (cortisone,
Adrenal • Prevention of sodium loss hydrocortisone)
insufficiency • Hyperkalemia
• Intravascular volume depletion

• Muscle weakness
Adrenal gland Capsule Blood vessels
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic fatigue
Symptoms • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
of adrenal • Hypotension and orthostatic hypotension
insufficiency • Depression and irritability
• Hypoglycemia
• Joint pain
• Salty foods cravings
• Irregular menstrual period, loss of libido Kidney Medulla Cortex

NOTES

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