IPD 2.1 Peny Kelenjar Adrenal dr. aron (8/5/25)

Summary

In this educational session, the speaker discusses adrenal diseases, focusing on hormonal imbalances within the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, located atop the kidneys, secrete vital hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. The speaker highlights common disorders such as Cushing's Syndrome (excess cortisol) and Addison's Disease (insufficient cortisol). Through detailed explanations, the session educates on the clinical manifestations of these conditions, including skin changes and muscle atrophy. The lecture is designed for dental students, emphasizing the importance of recognizing systemic hormonal diseases in oral health practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete vital hormones related to stress response, metabolism, and pain management.
• 😀 The adrenal glands are divided into the cortex (80%) and the medulla (20%), each responsible for different hormone production.
• 😀 The adrenal cortex produces hormones like aldosterone (affecting sodium retention), cortisol (affecting blood sugar), and androgen (sex hormones).
• 😀 The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are critical for the fight or flight response during stress.
• 😀 Disorders of the adrenal glands can lead to excess hormone production (e.g., Cushing's Syndrome) or insufficient hormone production (e.g., Addison's Disease).
• 😀 Cushing's Syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol, leading to symptoms like moon-shaped face, buffalo hump, and striae (stretch marks).
• 😀 Addison's Disease, the opposite of Cushing's Syndrome, involves low cortisol levels, causing symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, and hyperpigmentation.
• 😀 The lecture emphasized understanding adrenal gland disorders in dental students, particularly recognizing symptoms that might manifest in the oral cavity.
• 😀 Laboratory tests like stimulating and suppressing tests, along with imaging techniques (MRI, CT scan), are crucial for diagnosing adrenal dysfunction.
• 😀 The importance of recognizing systemic conditions such as hormonal imbalances and their manifestation in the oral cavity was highlighted, including hyperpigmentation and oral candidiasis in patients with Addison's or other systemic diseases.

Q & A

What is the role of the adrenal gland in the body?

The adrenal gland, located on top of the kidneys, secretes several important hormones. These hormones help regulate stress responses, emotional behavior, metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and pain perception. The gland consists of the cortex (80%) and medulla (20%).

What hormones are produced by the adrenal gland?

The adrenal cortex produces aldosterone (regulating sodium balance), cortisol (involved in metabolism and stress response), and androgens (sex hormones). The adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are involved in the fight or flight response.

How does the hypothalamus regulate adrenal gland function?

The hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then stimulates the adrenal cortex to release hormones such as cortisol.

What conditions can arise from abnormal adrenal gland hormone production?

Excess hormone production can lead to conditions such as Cushing's syndrome (overproduction of cortisol) or primary hyperaldosteronism (overproduction of aldosterone). Insufficient hormone production can cause Addison's disease (deficiency in cortisol and aldosterone).

What are some symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include a round face (moon face), a buffalo hump (fat accumulation on the neck), striae (stretch marks), muscle wasting in the limbs, acne, and slow wound healing. This is due to an excess of cortisol.

How does Addison's disease differ from Cushing's syndrome?

Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient cortisol production, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes. In contrast, Cushing's syndrome involves excessive cortisol levels.

What is the connection between aldosterone and sodium retention?

Aldosterone, produced by the adrenal cortex, helps regulate sodium and water balance in the body. It promotes sodium retention in the kidneys, which leads to water retention, potentially causing swelling in cases of aldosterone excess.

How is adrenal dysfunction diagnosed?

Adrenal dysfunction can be diagnosed through blood tests to measure hormone levels, as well as imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to check for adrenal gland abnormalities or tumors. Stimulating and suppressive tests are also used to assess hormone production.

Why should dental professionals be cautious with patients who have Cushing's syndrome?

Patients with Cushing's syndrome may experience thin skin, easy bruising, and delayed wound healing due to the effects of excess cortisol. When performing dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, there may be a higher risk of bleeding and slower recovery.

What role do glucocorticoids play in the body?

Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a crucial role in the body's stress response, helping regulate metabolism and inflammation. They also influence the immune system and have significant effects on glucose metabolism.