A destruction of adrenal cortex by diseases like tuberculosis produces

Options

A. Cushing syndrome
B. Adrenal virilism
C. Addison's disease
D. Aldosteronism

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the effects of the destruction of the adrenal cortex due to diseases like tuberculosis.

2. **Identifying the Condition**: The destruction of the adrenal cortex leads to a specific condition known as Addison's disease.

3. **Defining Addison's Disease**: Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, which means that the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

4. **Hormonal Deficiencies**: In Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of key hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, particularly:
- **Aldosterone**: This hormone helps regulate sodium and potassium levels and maintain blood pressure.
- **Cortisol**: This hormone is crucial for stress response, metabolism, and immune function.

5. **Compensatory Mechanism**: Due to the low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, the body responds by increasing the levels of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. This is a compensatory mechanism to stimulate the adrenal glands.

6. **Effects of Increased ACTH**: The increase in ACTH can also lead to an increase in Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH), which is responsible for skin pigmentation.

7. **Symptoms of Addison's Disease**: The symptoms associated with Addison's disease include:
- Fatigue and asthenia (general weakness)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Hyperpigmentation of the skin (darkening of the skin)

8. **Conclusion**: Thus, the destruction of the adrenal cortex due to diseases like tuberculosis produces Addison's disease, characterized by adrenal insufficiency and associated symptoms.