A patient has very low plasma glucose levels, a condition called hypoglycemia. The problem is not associated with
insulin, but with the secretion of glucocorticoids. How would you evaluate the patient to determine where in the feedback
system the problem is located?
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: The adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids under the control of ACTH from the anterior
pituitary. The anterior pituitary is under the control of releasing hormones (RHs) from the
hypothalamus. The patient could be given an injection of ACTH and then monitor blood
glucose levels. Next, the patient could be given an injection of RHs and blood glucose
levels evaluated. Another way to address the problem would be to measure the levels of
ACTH and RHs in the patient. If the RHs were elevated, then the problem would be ACTH
production from the pituitary.
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What will be an ideal response?
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