What are the effects of cortisol during the stress response? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Increased skin pigmentation is associated with Addison’s disease due to elevated ACTH stimulating melanocytes. Cushing syndrome, caused by excess cortisol, typically causes skin thinning and bruising, not hyperpigmentation. The excess cortisol does not directly affect melanin production, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Cushing syndrome leads to weight gain, not weight loss, due to cortisol’s promotion of fat deposition in central areas (e.g., abdomen, face). Increased appetite and altered metabolism contribute to obesity, not weight loss, making this choice incorrect as it contradicts the metabolic effects of hypercortisolism.

Choice C reason: Cushing syndrome often causes hypertension, not decreased blood pressure, due to cortisol’s mineralocorticoid effects, increasing sodium retention and vascular resistance. Decreased blood pressure is more associated with adrenal insufficiency, making this choice incorrect as it does not align with Cushing syndrome’s pathophysiology.

Choice D reason: Cushing syndrome, characterized by excess cortisol, suppresses the immune system by inhibiting inflammatory responses and reducing lymphocyte activity. This increases susceptibility to infections and impairs wound healing, making decreased immune response a hallmark complication, which is why this choice is correct.

Choice A reason: Overproduction of parathyroid hormone causes hyperparathyroidism, leading to hypercalcemia and bone issues. Addison’s disease involves adrenal insufficiency, reducing cortisol and aldosterone, not parathyroid dysfunction, making this choice incorrect as it describes a different endocrine disorder unrelated to adrenal function.

Choice B reason: Lack of insulin production by the pancreas describes type 1 diabetes, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands, causing deficiencies in cortisol and aldosterone, leading to metabolic and electrolyte imbalances, making this choice incorrect for the described condition.

Choice C reason: Addison’s disease is adrenal insufficiency, characterized by inadequate cortisol and aldosterone production due to adrenal gland damage (e.g., autoimmune). This leads to symptoms like fatigue, hypotension, and hyperkalemia, accurately describing the pathophysiology and making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Overproduction of growth hormone causes acromegaly or gigantism, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s involves adrenal hormone deficiency, not pituitary overactivity. Growth hormone excess affects growth and metabolism, not adrenal function, making this choice incorrect for Addison’s disease.