Which of these could be a cause of hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex?
A)Autoimmune destruction of receptors for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
B)Autoimmune destruction of hypothalamic cells that secrete corticotropin-releasing hormone
C)Injection of an excess of cortisol
D)Destruction of the anterior pituitary by a stroke
E)Low levels of cortisol in the circulation

Question

Which of these could be a cause of hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex?
A)Autoimmune destruction of receptors for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
B)Autoimmune destruction of hypothalamic cells that secrete corticotropin-releasing hormone
C)Injection of an excess of cortisol
D)Destruction of the anterior pituitary by a stroke
E)Low levels of cortisol in the circulation

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Low levels of cortisol in the circulation can lead to hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex. This is because the decreased cortisol levels would reduce the negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, leading to increased secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), respectively. The increased ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex, causing it to hypertrophy in an attempt to produce more cortisol.

Which of These Could Be a Cause of Hypertrophy of the Adrenal