What is the purpose of the endocrine system?
cell and organs synthesize and release chemical messengers (hormones) that trigger intracellular responses at distant organs
Name this disorder.
Acromegaly
Name 3 signs/symptoms of Cushings disease
moon shaped face
buffalo hump
red face
weight in trunk area
overgrowth in facial hair
What is the cause of Addisons disease?
The adrenal glands no longer produce cortisol due to the body attacking them
Can be from trauma, disease, illness, stress
Where in the body is the pineal gland located?
The brain
Non-cancerous tumor that an appear on organs/glands. In relation to the endocrine system, adenomas can alter the production of the hormones released from glands of the endocrine system.
What are symptoms of a pituitary adenoma?
headaches
vision problems
weight gain
bleed easily
List 3 signs/ symptoms of Addisons disease.
very tan, salt cravings, weight loss, fatigue, syncope, low BP, low blood sugar,
celiac is a common disorder developed in individuals with addisons
What treatment is used for Addisons disease?
Hydrocortisol or prednisone
Hydrocortisol is the preferred treatment
surgery/radiation if adenoma is present
What are the symptoms of pineal tumors?
early puberty, nausea, diplopia, headaches, memory issues, poor balance, seizures, trouble sleeping
What hormones do the adrenal glands secrete?
Cortisol and Aldosterone
What is the name of the condition associated with the pituitary gland that results in the change in bone structure?
Acromegaly
What condition of the adrenal glands is reversible?
Adrenal insufficiency
Drug or corticosteroid use causes the body to recognize cortisol in the body so the adrenals stop producing it.
The pituitary gland can also not make enough ACTH to stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol
What is the treatment for Cushings disease?
Medications to lower cortisol levels, surgery/radiation if adenoma is present
What hormones does the pineal gland produce?
Melatonin
Serotonin
Which hormone gland has an anterior and posterior portion and which portion is large?
Pituitary gland
Anterior is much large than posterior
What are the treatments for a pituitary adenoma?
Surgical excision- Can damage the pituitary gland
Radiation- Can damage pituitary gland and other parts of the body
Long time steroid use
Not true cushings as it can be reversed.
What is the treatment for adrenal insufficiency
Taper off steroid use to awaken the adrenal glands.
What testing is used to confirm a pineal tumor and what is the treatment ?
Tests-MRI or CT
Removal of tumor surgically
What are the different hormones of the anterior and posterior pituitary gland?
Anterior- Somatotropin, prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic, thyroid hormone
Posterior- vasopressin and oxytocin
What are the pharmacological options to treat acromegaly?
Somatostatin analogs
-octreotide (sandostatin)
-lanreotide (somulatinedepot)
Growth hormone
-pegvisomant (somavert)
In cushings disease, where are the two possible locations that tumors may be present causing the over secretion of cortisol.
1. Tumor on adrenal gland that hyper-secretes cortisol
2. Tumor on pituitary gland that hyper-secretes ACTH at the pituitary, which results in the adrenal hyper-secreting cortisol.
What is the circadian rhythm and how does it relate to the pineal gland?
Circadian rhythms are behaviors that follow a 24 hour cycle. The pineal gland releases melatonin when there is darkness and decreases it when exposed to light. If there is an issue with the pineal gland a persons circadian rhythm can be disturbed.