Question

A tumor in the adrenal zona glomerulosa can cause hypersecretion of hormones produced in that region. Which of the following might you expect to find in a patient with such a tumor?
a) Increased blood sodium levels
b) Increased blood glucose levels
c) Decreased blood calcium levels
d) Increased dehydration

Answer 1

Hint: Benign tumor occurs in the zona glomerulosa which leads to the Conn’s syndrome in the person. This syndrome causes release of the aldosterone in excess amounts and can lead to hyperaldosteronism. The person having this syndrome may develop headaches and lethargy due to it.

Complete answer:
The adrenal gland has a layer of zona glomerulosa which is the main source for the production of the aldosterone in the body. The gland also releases mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone is responsible for the absorption of the sodium and the potassium to be excreted into the lumen cells. The presence of aldosterone ensures that the balance of the sodium and potassium is maintained in our blood. If the amount of aldosterone is increased in the body due to some reason then it may lead to an increase in the amount of the sodium levels in the blood and would cause too much loss of the potassium from the blood. This imbalance may result in the retention of water of too much water in the body leading to an increase in the blood pressure. When a person develops a tumor in the zona glomerulosa region then the amount of aldosterone released is increased in the blood. This increase in the amount of aldosterone causes an increase in the level of the blood sodium level.
So, the answer is ‘Increased blood sodium levels’.

Note: The presence of the high aldosterone in blood leads to the lowering of the potassium levels. This low level of potassium causes weakness, tingling and may also paralysis in some cases. It also causes high blood pressure. High aldosterone level may be caused due to tumors or due to some diseases.