CMB1004/L30 Applied Endocrinology Flashcards
Define steroid hormones.
Produced from cholestrol and released on demand upon stimulation of endocrine cells
Why are steroid hormones difficult to store?
They are lipophilic
Why do steroid hormones generally have slow long lasting effects?
Protein expression is changed which depends on the rate of production, and half-life of the protein once produced has long lasting effects
Describe the action of beta-2 receptors.
Mediate smooth muscle relaxation through the cAMP pathway
Describe the action of alpha-1 receptors.
Mediate smooth muscle contraction through the IP3/DAG pathway
Where is growth hormone (somatotropin) released from?
Anterior pituitary
Why is giganticism not a feature of growth hormone excess in adulthood?
Growth plates are fused, preventing linear growth
Give 2 symptoms of hypothyroidism in newborns/infants.
Decreased mental capacity
Short stature
Give 2 symptoms of hypothyroidism in children.
Decreased mental capacity
Decreased growth
Give 3 symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults.
General tiredness and lethargy
Cold intolerance
Weight gain
Bradycardia
Mental slowness
Depression (50%)
Puffy hands and face
Give a treatment for hypothyroidism.
Lexothroxine (T4)
Give 3 symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Heat intolerance
Weight loss
Warm moist skin
Tachycardia
Fine tremor of fingers
Give a common cause of thyroxicosis (hyperthyroidism).
Graves Disease
What is Graves Disease?
Autoimmune condition in which auto-antibodies stimulate TSH receptor
Give 3 features of Graves Disease.
Upper eyelid retraction (stare)
Swelling of muscles in orbit (bulging eyes)
Goitre - enlarged thyroid due to overstimulation
What effect does cortisol have on inflammatory response?
Inhibition
Which layer of the adrenal gland produces aldosterone?
Zona glomerulosa
Describe Addison’s Disease.
Adrenocorticoid insufficiency
80% autoimmune with adrenal atrophy
Give 3 symptoms of cortisol deficiency.
Weakness
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Hypoglycaemia
Give 4 symptoms of mineralocorticoid deficiency.
Excessive renal Na+ loss
Dehydration
Hypotension
Hypoatraemia
Hyperkalaemia
Acidosis
Give 3 symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome.
Central obesity with muscle wasting in arms and legs
Thinning of skin
Moon face
Hypertension
Psychological disturbances
Osteoporosis
Acne, amenorrhoea and hirsutism (adrenal androgen excess)
