Target tissue
In Addisons diseases, the feedback loop is disrupted.
The anterior pituitary releases excessive yet ineffective
amounts of ACTH which is supposed to stimulate the
adrenal cortex.
The adrenal cortex as a result is affected negatively and
does not release Glucocorticoids or Mineralocorticoids.
Since Glucocorticoids are not produced, glucose cannot be
replenished when stressful situations occur.
Since Mineralocorticoids are not produced, there is a lack
of sodium and water in the body thus leading to severe
dehydration.
Also, because ACTH exists in excessive yet ineffective
amounts, bronzing of the skin occurs because ACTH is
linked to melanin production.
Excessive and
ineffective amounts of
Adrenal cortex
hormones are not
released
"Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease." NIDDK. National Institutes
of Health, 2009. Web. 27 Mar 2012.
<http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.asp&xgt;.
Mader, Sylvia S. Understanding Human Anatomy and Physiology. 5th.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2005. 444. Print.
Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease. 2009. Diagram. NIDDKWeb.
28 Mar 2012.
<http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.asp&xgt
Image Collection: Skin Problems. 2005. Photograph. Medicine.netWeb.
28 Mar 2012. <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?
articlekey=109861>.
Vitiligo. 2011. Photograph. Healthfiles.netWeb. 28 Mar 2012.
<http://healthfiles.net/disease/tag/addisons-disease/>.
More Addison's Disease Information. 2009. Diagram. EmpowHERWeb. 28
Mar 2012. <http://www.empowher.com/condition/addisons-disease>.