Basics of the Endocrine System
Name 2 functions of the endocrine system
Fluid & electrolyte balance
Metabolism & energy
Growth & development
Reproduction
Defence mobilization
Which gland releases oxytocin?
Posterior pituitary
Adiponectin is ______ in obesity
decreased
Name 2 signs of hyperthyroidism?
Weight loss, heat intolerance, Tachycardia, muscle wasting....
What is my girlfriend's name?
Karis
Which hormone class is made on demand and acts in the nucleus?
Steroid hormones
What hormone inhibits CRH and ACTH release?
Cortisol
What hormone increases serum calcium
PTH
ADH deficiency causes which disorder?
Diabetes Insipidus
How do you treat a deficiency in growth hormone?
Somatotropin (recomb GH)
Cortisol peaks at what time of day?
Morning
Which hypothalamic hormone inhibits prolactin?
Dopamine
Name 3 functions of growth hormone
↑ IGF-1 (growth)
↑ Protein synthesis
↑ Lipolysis
↓ Glucose uptake
What visual defect occurs with pituitary tumour compression?
Bitemporal hemianopia
How can you treat a diabetes insipidus
Vasopressin (weak V2)
Desmopressin (long acting)
Name 2 hormones who's binding leads to signal amplification via cAMP
Via cAMP: Glucagon, LH, FSH, ADH, epinepherine, PTH, GH, Calcitonin
How do magnocellular and parvocellular neurons differ?
Magnocellular: long axons, release ADH/oxytocin to posterior pituitary. Parvocellular: short axons, release regulatory hormones to anterior pituitary
What is the biomarker for insulin release?
C-peptide
Name an endocrine disorder that may cause infertility
thyroid disorders (hyper- and hypothyroidism), hyperprolactinemia, diabetes, and pituitary disorders like hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Cushing's Disease/Syndrome,
How can you treat a prolactin deficiency?
Dopamine Antagonists
domperidone and metoclopramide
Compare peptide and steroid hormones in terms of storage, receptor site, and speed.
Peptides: stored in vesicles, act on surface receptors, fast. Steroids: made on demand, act on nuclear receptors, slow
Describe the HPT axis
TRH (hypo) → TSH (Ant. Pit) → T3/T4 (thyroid)
T3/T4 inhibit TRH & TSH
Explain how insulin is released by high glucose
↑ glucose → ↑ ATP → closes K⁺ channels → depolarization → Ca²⁺ influx → insulin vesicle release
How does Cushing’s syndrome differ from Cushing’s disease?
Syndrome = any cause of excess cortisol; Disease = pituitary ACTH adenoma
What drug would be given to a patient post-thyroidectomy?
Levothyroxine (synthetic T4)