Question

Explain how an adrenocortical tumor can result in hyperglycemia.

What effect will the adrenocortical tumor have on the immune system and how?

Answer 1

Adenocortical tumor are tumors of the adrenal gland. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland and it has some functions, including increasing blood sugar. It has been found in most cases of Adrenocortical tumors there is increased cortisol production (Birgit Herbeck et al, 2013). So, this increase in cortisol level is supposed to cause increased blood sugar levels i.e hyperglycemia. People with adrenocortical tumor have a weak immune system mainly due to less number of or inactive CD3+/CD8+ T cells.