Patho question

[dentheartthrob]

why are arterioles less responsive to the constrictor effects of catecholamines in the absence of cortisol?

This question is in conjunction to Addison's disease.

I've always thought cortisol was a steriod involved in sugar metabolism.

...can it be because, assumably less CH20 is made (ex. glucose) which would inadverently effect the amount of Na ion's transported in a cell (glucose/Na co-transport) thus rendering less AP potentiated, w/c in this case is the blood vessels that have adrenergic (catecholamines) receptors from which upon stimulation causes vasocontriction?

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[katforx]

Hi Buddy

cortisol can increases blood pressure by increasing the sensitivity of the arteriole to catecholamine and contract. In the absence of cortisol, vasodilation occurs.

 

[pol37]

definition wikipedia: Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that is involved in the response to stress; it increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels, may cause infertility in women, and suppresses the immune system.