alleryStart learning →Chronic metabolic alkalosis can result from Cushing's disease because of:
AChronic hyposecretion of ACTH
BDirect bicarbonate loss through diarrhea
CHypersecretion of ACTH, which raises aldosterone levels
DReduced potassium excretion
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Hypersecretion of ACTH, which raises aldosterone levels
1. Metabolic alkalosis is a condition of excess blood bicarbonate.
2. Cushing's disease is caused by chronic hypersecretion, not hyposecretion, of ACTH from the anterior pituitary.
3. Excess ACTH raises aldosterone levels.
4. Elevated aldosterone increases potassium loss through urinary excretion, contributing to the alkalosis.
5. Diarrhea-related bicarbonate loss is listed elsewhere as a cause of metabolic acidosis, the opposite condition, so it is ruled out here.
6. So chronic ACTH hypersecretion elevating aldosterone is the correct mechanism.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 26 "Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance", p.1271 §Metabolic Alkalosis: Primary Bicarbonate Excess_
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