Question

For each substance A–E, select the best option for its functional description from the following list. 

1. A ‘mineralocorticoid’. 

2. An androgen. 

3. An alpha globulin that binds with 

4. A ‘glucocorticoid’. cortisol. 

5. Causes breast development. 

A. Corticosterone. 

B. Progesterone. 

C. Aldosterone. 

D. Transcortin. 

E. Dihydroepiandrosterone.

Answer 1

A. Option 4 A ‘glucocorticoid’. Glucocorticoids promote protein catabolism, glucogenesis and gluconeogenesis. 

B. Option 5 Causes breast development. Progesterone can be manufactured from pregnenolone in the adrenal cortex. 

C. Option 1 A ‘mineralocorticoid’. Aldosterone promotes fluid retention by facilitating sodium retention by the renal tubules. 

D. Option 3 An alpha globulin that binds with cortisol. Most circulating cortisol is bound to transcortin and is inactive. Cortisol is freed and becomes physiologically active when free cortisol levels fall. 

E. Option 2 An androgen. This can cause ‘virilization’ in female patients with adrenocortical tumours.