Cushing syndrome is characterized by?

Cushing syndrome is characterized by?

• A. Hypersecretion of thyroid hormone.
• B. Hyposecretion of cortisol by the adrenal gland.
• C. Hypersecretion of insulin by the pancreas.
• D. Hypersecretion of cortisol (hydrocortisone) by the adrenal gland.

Answer: (D)

Cushing syndrome is characterized by prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal cortex, when secreted in excess leads to the metabolic and tissue changes that define the condition, such as glucose intolerance, protein breakdown, fat redistribution, and increased blood pressure. The option describing hypersecretion of cortisol by the adrenal gland matches this defining feature exactly. The other statements refer to hormones outside this condition—excess thyroid hormone is a different disorder, too little cortisol causes Addison disease, and excess insulin secretion by the pancreas is not related to Cushing syndrome.

Cushing syndrome is characterized by prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal cortex, when secreted in excess leads to the metabolic and tissue changes that define the condition, such as glucose intolerance, protein breakdown, fat redistribution, and increased blood pressure. The option describing hypersecretion of cortisol by the adrenal gland matches this defining feature exactly. The other statements refer to hormones outside this condition—excess thyroid hormone is a different disorder, too little cortisol causes Addison disease, and excess insulin secretion by the pancreas is not related to Cushing syndrome.