Addison's disease is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. Patients would likely present with:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hyperpigmentation and hypotension
Primary adrenal insufficiency leads to low cortisol and aldosterone, causing low blood pressure. The lack of cortisol feedback causes high ACTH levels; ACTH contains the MSH sequence, which stimulates melanocytes to cause hyperpigmentation.
Keep practicing
More Adrenal and Pancreas Hormones questions
- The 'C-peptide' is a useful clinical marker for which of the following?
- Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that causes paroxysmal (sudden) episodes of:
- Which hormone is secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?
- Which pancreatic hormone lowers blood glucose by increasing cellular uptake of glucose?
- Which adrenal hormone is essential for the stress response and has strong gluconeogenic effects?
- Which pancreatic cell type secretes glucagon?