Dexamethasone is a synthetic cortisol (meaning that it acts like cortisol within the body by binding to glucocorticoid receptors). It is used to test the function of the HPA axis.
First, which of the following would occur following the injection of dexamethasone in a normal individual with a functional HPA axis? (Please select all correct answers. There may be one correct answer or multiple correct answers. This question is graded as "all or none".)
A) Increased release of CRH from the hypothalamus
B) Decreased release of CRH from the hypothalamus
C) Increased release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary gland
D) Decreased release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary gland
E) Increased release of cortisol from the adrenal gland