Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands located near the kidney.Yet pituitary tumors cause 70% of Cushing's syndrome cases.To test if a patient has a pituitary tumor,they are injected with CRH and cortisol levels measured.What will happen in a patient with a pituitary tumor?

Question

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Pituitary tumors cause an increase in ACTH production, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Therefore, injecting CRH will cause both ACTH and cortisol levels to increase in a patient with a pituitary tumor. Choice A is incorrect because ACTH and cortisol levels will both increase. Choice C is incorrect because ACTH and cortisol levels will both increase. Choice D is incorrect because ACTH levels will decrease due to negative feedback from the increased cortisol levels. Choice E is incorrect because both ACTH and cortisol levels will increase.

Cortisol Is Produced by the Adrenal Glands Located near the Kidney.Yet