PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF GLUCOCORTICOSTEROIDS :: PART 02
5.Blood and cardiovascular system ::
Glucocorticoids produce ant lymphocytic and anti eosinophilic action causing lymphopenia and eosinopenia in blood and involution of thymus lymph glands spleen etc This may reduce the resistance power of the body Hypotension is found in deficiency of adrenal cortex and is corrected after the administration of cortisol
6.Central nervous system ::
Hypofunctioning of adrenal cortex causes derangement of functions of central nervous system Glucocorticoids protect the body against stress
7.Anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects ::
Glucocorticoids possess anti-inflammatory activity They retard migration of leucocytes into traumatised areas They also possess antiallergic and immunosuppressant activity persons with hyperfunctioning of adrenal cortex is more prone to infections
8.Miscellaneous effects ::
Chronic treatment of glucocorticoid causes increased secretion of HCI and pepsinogen from the stomach and trypsinogen by the pancreas Mental physical and physiolological stress is resisted by glucocorticoids This is known as Dr Seyeles General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Glucocorticoids also stimulate melanin pigment causing darkening of the skin
Adrenal cortex is very rich in vitamin C There is about 200 mg of vit.C per 100g of cortical tissue Stimulation of adrenal cortex for secretion of corticosteroids by ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone ) of pituitary gland results in depletion of vitamin C This effect is utilised for the bioassay of ACTH
0 Comments