Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

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Prepare for the Advanced Dental Admission Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations provided for each question. Strengthen your readiness for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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How does beta-adrenergic sensitivity change in Cushing's syndrome?

Decreased sensitivity
Neutral sensitivity
Super sensitive
Not affected

The correct answer is: Super sensitive

In Cushing's syndrome, there is an increase in cortisol levels due to various factors such as tumors in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands. This excess cortisol leads to alterations in the body’s response to certain hormones and neurotransmitters, including the beta-adrenergic receptors. When cortisol levels are elevated, the body may exhibit a state of hyperreactivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation, which is often referred to as beta-adrenergic supersensitivity. This means that the body's beta receptors become more responsive to stimulation, resulting in heightened physiological responses such as increased heart rate and enhanced catecholamine effects. This mechanism is associated with the various cardiovascular and metabolic complications seen in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The other options do not accurately reflect the physiological changes that occur in Cushing's syndrome. Beta-adrenergic sensitivity is not typically neutral or unaffected; rather, it shifts towards a heightened response due to the hormonal imbalances present in the condition.