7. endocrine system Flashcards
which medication is commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism?
antithyroid drugs, specifically methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil (PTU), which block the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone
why is oral insulin ineffective in treating type 1 diabetes?
Digestive Enzymes and Stomach Acidity: When insulin is taken orally, it passes through the digestive system. The stomach’s acidic environment and digestive enzymes break down proteins, including insulin. By the time insulin reaches the bloodstream, it is typically degraded and rendered ineffective.
what is the essential condition for insulin secretagogues to be effective?
The essential condition for insulin secretagogues to be effective is the presence of some functional insulin-producing capacity in the pancreas. Specifically, these medications work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, so they are only effective when there is enough beta-cell function (the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin)
In summary, the essential condition for insulin secretagogues to be effective is that the pancreas must still be able to produce some insulin. This is why these medications are typically used in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, when beta-cell function is still present but impaired.
addisons disease treatment requires…
treatment for Addison’s disease focuses on replacing the missing hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) through medication, adjusting salt intake, and being prepared for stress-related situations with emergency treatment.
combined oral contraceptive pill contains..
Estrogen (typically ethinylestradiol): A synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone estrogen.
Progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone): There are different types of progestins used in COCs, such as levonorgestrel, desogestrel, drospirenone, and others.
what is the mechanism of action of gliptins?
gliptins improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which increases the levels and activity of incretin hormones (like GLP-1), leading to enhanced insulin release, decreased glucagon secretion, and better glucose regulation.
how do hormones work?
chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that help regulate various functions in the body. They work by being released into the bloodstream, where they travel to specific target organs or tissues (cells with receptors) to exert their effects.
types of chemical messengers
- hormones
- neurotransmitters
- paracrine signals
- autocrine signals
- endocrine signals
- exocrine signals
- cytokines
- pheromones
- eicosanoids
- retinoids
endocrine and ageing
how endocrine signalling is regulates
Negative feedback loops are the most common way to keep hormone levels balanced.
Positive feedback loops promote rapid, self-amplifying responses when needed (e.g., labor).
Circadian rhythms help regulate hormone release based on time of day.
Organ interactions, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-gland axis, help coordinate multiple endocrine glands.
Hormonal sensitivity can change over time, influencing the body’s response to hormones.
Nutrient signals play a role in regulating hormones like insulin and glucagon based on the body’s metabolic state.
positive/negative feedback (Endocrine)
Negative feedback is the most common form of regulation in the endocrine system. It works to reverse or counteract a change in the body, helping to maintain stability or homeostasis.
Positive feedback works differently from negative feedback. Instead of counteracting a change, positive feedback amplifies the original signal or effect, leading to an intensified response. Positive feedback loops typically occur when a rapid, decisive change is required.
what name is given to the collection of cells which make chemical messengers?
glands
what allows the body to maintain homeostasis despite coordinating >75 trillion cells?
- cells communicate to regulate body
- via chemical messengers (hormones)
> nervous system
> endocrine system
endocrine glands
- consist of clumps of secretory epithelial cells surrounded by vascular network
- produce secretions (hormones) released into surrounding interstitial fluid then enter blood stream
- hormones travel in blood to target organ where have effect
- specificity determined by receptor expression at target
what 2 things can endocrine glands be structurally ?
- part of epithelial surface such as lining of digestive tract
- separate organs such as thyroid or pituitary glands
endocrine vs exocrine glands
exocrine:
open contact with exterior (ducts carry secretions to surface)
endocrine:
no open contact with exterior (no ducts; instead produce hormones secreted into blood)
what determines hormone specificity?
receptor expression at target
can glands be both exocrine and endocrine?
some glands can be both exocrine and endocrine
exocrine gland
open contact with exterior
- ducts carry secretions to surface
endocrine gland
no open contact with exterior
- no ducts; instead produce hormones secreted into blood
which organs have secondary endocrine functions?
- kidneys
- liver
- heart
main components of endocrine system
- pineal gland
- hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
- thyroid gland
- parathyroid glands
- thymus
- adrenal glands
- pancreas
- ovary/testes
kidney’s role as secondary endocrine organs
The kidneys are essential for filtering blood, excreting waste, and regulating water and electrolyte balance. However, they also produce several hormones that have endocrine functions:
- Erythropoietin (EPO): The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the blood.
- Renin: The kidneys release renin in response to low blood pressure or low sodium levels. Renin activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance by increasing sodium retention and blood volume.
- Calcitriol (active form of Vitamin D): The kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form (calcitriol), which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis by promoting calcium absorption in the intestines.
liver’s role as a secondary endocrine organ
The liver plays a central role in metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient storage. It also has important endocrine functions:
- Angiotensinogen: The liver produces angiotensinogen, which is a precursor to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is an important hormone in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, as part of the renin-angiotensin system.
- Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): The liver synthesizes and releases IGF-1 in response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation. IGF-1 plays a critical role in growth and development by promoting cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
- Hepcidin: This hormone, produced by the liver, regulates iron homeostasis by controlling the absorption of iron in the intestines and its release from stores in the body.