Endocrine Flashcards
Thyroid development
The thyroid diverticulum arises from the floor of the primitive pharynx and descends into neck. It is connected to the tongue by the thyroglossal duct, which normally disappears but it may persist as pyramidal lobe of the thyroid. The foramen cecum is a normal remnant of the thyroglossal duct. The most common ectopic thyroid tissue site is the tongue. A thyroglossal duct cyst presents as an anterior midline neck mass that moves with swallowing or protrusion of the tongue (vs a persistent cervical sinus leading to a branchial cleft cyst in lateral neck).
Adrenal cortex
It is derived from mesoderm and contains (from outside to inside) the zona glomerulosa (regulated by the renin-angiotensin system and secretes aldosterone), zona fasciculata (regulated by ACTH and CRH and secretes cortisol and sex hormones), and zona reticularis (regulated by ACTH and CRH and secretes sex hormones, eg androgens). GFR corresponds with Salt (Na), Sugar (glucocorticoids), and Sex (androgens). The deeper you go, the sweeter it gets.
Adrenal medulla
It is derived from neural crest cells. The medulla contains Chromaffin cells, is regulated by preganglionic sympathetic fibers, and releases catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). Pheochromocytoma is the most common tumor of the adrenal medulla in adults. It causes episodic hypertension. Neuroblastoma is the most common tumor of the adrenal medulla in children. It rarely causes hypertension.
Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
It secretes FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, prolactin, GH (FLAT PiG). Melanotropin (MSH) is secreted from the intermediate lobe of the pituitary. It is derived from the oral ectoderm (Rathke pouch). The alpha subunit is the hormone subunit common to TSH, LH, FSH, and hCG. The beta subunit determines the hormone specificity. Acidophils produce GH and prolactin. Basophils (B-FLAT) produce FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH.
Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)
It secretes vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone or ADH) and oxytocin, made in the hypothalamus (supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, respectively) and is transported to the posterior pituitary via the neurphysins (carrier proteins). It is derived from neuroectoderm.
Endocrine pancreas cell types
Islets of Langerhans are collections of alpha, beta, and delta endocrine cells. Islets arise from pancreatic buds. Alpha cells are located on the periphery and secrete glucagon. Beta cells are centrally located and secrete insulin. Delta cells are interspersed and secrete somatostatin.
Insulin synthesis
Preproinsulin is synthesized in the RER. There is cleavage of presignal peptide, creating proinsulin that then gets stored in secretory granules. Within the granule, proinsulin get cleaved creating equal insulin and C-peptide, which both undergo exocytosis. Insulin and C peptides are increased in insulinoma and sulfonylurea use, whereas exogenous insulin lacks C-peptide.
Source of insulin
Pancreatic beta cells
Function of insulin
Insulin binds a tyrosine kinase receptor, inducing glucose uptake (carrier mediated transport) into insulin dependent tissue and gene transcription. Unlike glucose, insulin does not cross the placenta.
Anabolic effects of insulin
It increases glucose transport in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue; increases glycogen synthesis and storage; increases triglyceride synthesis, increases Na retention (kidneys), increases protein synthesis (muscles), increases cellular uptake of K and amino acids; decreases glucagon release. Organs that have insulin independent glucose uptake include the Brain, RBCs, Intestine, Cornea, Kidney, and Liver (BRICK L)
GLUT 1
Insulin independent transporters, present in RBCs, brain, and cornea. The brain utilizes glucose for metabolism normally and ketone bodies during starvation. RBCs always utilize glucose because they lack mitochondria for aerobic metabolism.
GLUT 2
Insulin independent transporters, present in beta islet cells, liver, kidney, and small intestine. It is bidirectional.
GLUT 3
Insulin independent transporters, present in the brain
GLUT 4
Insulin dependent glucose transporter, present in adipose tissue, striated muscle (exercise can also increase GLUT 4 expression).
GLUT 5
Insulin independent transporters, present in spermatocytes and GI tract, and transports fructose.
Regulation of insulin release
Glucose is the major regulator of insulin release. Growth hormone, which causes insulin resistance leading to an increase in insulin release. Glucose enters beta cells increases ATP generated from glucose metabolism closes K channels (target of sulfonylureas) and depolarizes beta cell membrane. Voltage gated Ca channels open causes Ca influx and stimulation of insulin exocytosis.
Glucagon
Made in the alpha cells of the pancreas. It increases catabolic processes such as glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and ketone production. It is secreted in response to hypoglycemia. It is inhibited by insulin, hyperglycemia, and somatostatin.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone
It increases secretion of ACTH, MSH, and beta endorphin. It decreases with chronic exogenous steroid use.
Dopamine
Decreases prolactin release. Dopamine antagonists (eg antipsychotics) can cause galactorrhea due to hyperprolactinemia.
Growth hormone releasing hormone
Triggers growth hormone release. Analog (tesamorelin) is used to treat HIV associated lipodystrophy.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone
Triggers release of FSH and LH. It is regulated by prolactin. Tonic GnRH suppresses HPA axis. Pulsatile GnRH leads to puberty and fetility.
Prolactin
Decreases GnRH secretion. A pituitary prolactinoma causes amenorrhea, osteoporosis, hypogonadism, galactorrhea.
Somatostatin
It decreases TSH and GH secretion. An analog is used to treat acromegaly.
TSH releasing hormone
Increases TSH and prolactin secretion.
Prolactin
It is secreted mainly by the anterior pituitary. It stimulates milk production in breast and inhibits ovulation in females and spermatogenesis in males by inhibiting GnRH synthesis and release. Excessive amounts of prolactin associated with decreased libido.
Regulation of prolactin release
Prolactin secretion from anterior pituitary is tonically inhibited by dopamine from the hypothalamus. Prolactin in turn inhibits its own secretion by increasing dopamine synthesis and secretion from the hypothalamus. TRH increases prolactin secretion (eg in primary or secondary hypothyroidism). Dopamine agonists (eg bromocriptine) inhibit prolactin secretion and can be used in treatment of prolactinoma. Dopamine antagonists (eg most antipsychotics) and estrogens (eg OCPs, pregnancy) stimulate prolactin secretion.
Growth hormone (somatotropin)
It is secreted by the anterior pituitary. It stimulates linear growth and muscle mass through IGF-1 (somatomedin C) secretion. It increases insulin resistance (diabetogenic).
Regulation of growth hormone secretion
It is released in pulses in response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Secretion increases during exercise and sleep. Secretion is inhibited by glucose and somatostatin release via negative feedback by somatomedin. Excess secretion of GH (eg pituitary adenoma) may cause acromegaly (adults) or gigantism (children).
Ghrelin
Stimulates hunger (orexigenic effect) and GH release (via GH secretagog receptor). Produced by stomach. Increases with sleep loss and Prader Willi syndrome. Ghrelin makes you hunghre.
Leptin
Satiety hormone. It is produced by adipose. It decreases during starvation. Mutation of leptin gene causes congenital obesity. Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in leptin production. Leptin keeps you thin.
Endocannabinoids
Stimulate cortical reward centers increasing the desire for high fat foods. The munchies.
Antidiuretic hormone
It is synthesized by hypothalamus (supraoptic nuclei), released by posterior pituitary. It regulates serum osmolarity (V2 receptors) and blood pressure (V1-receptors). Its primary function is serum osmolarity regulation (ADH decreases serum osmolarity and increases urine osmolarity) via regulation of aquaporin channel insertion in principal cells of renal collecting duct. ADH level is decreased in central diabetes insipidus (DI), normal or increased in nephrogenic DI. Nephrogenic DI can be caused by mutation in V2 receptor. Desmopressin acette (ADH analog) is a treatment for central DI.
ADH regulation
There are osmoreceptors in hypothalamus in primary regulation. It is secondarily regulated by hypovolemia.
Cholesterol desmolase
It converts cholesterol into pregnenolone in the zona glomerulosa. It is activated by ACTH and inhibited by ketoconazole.
3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
Converts Pregnenolone into progesterone in the zona glomerulosa, 17 hydroxypregnenolone into 17 hydroxyprogesterione in the zona fasciculata, and dehdroepiandtroterone (DHEA) into androstenedione in the zona reticularis.
21 hydroxylase
Converts progesterone into 11-deoxycorticosterone in the zona glomerulosa and 17 hydroxyprogesterone into 11-deoxycortisol in the zona fasciculata.
11 beta hydroxylase
Converts 11 deoxycorticosterone into corticosterone in the zona glomerulosa and 11 deoxycortisol into cortisol in the zona fosciculata.
17 alpha hydroxylase
It converts pregnenolone into 17 hydroxypregnenolone and progesterone into 17 hydroxyprogesterone.
Aldosterone synthase
Converts corticosterone into aldosterone in the zona glomerulosa.
Aromatase
Androstenedione into estrone and testosterone into estradiol
5 alpha reductase
Converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
17 alpha hydroxylase deficiency
It blocks cortisol and sex hormones, thereby increasing mineralcorticoids, which increases blood pressure and decreases potassium. Labs show a decrease in androstenedione. XY presentation is pseudohermaphroditism (ambiguous genitalia, undescended testes). XX presentation is a lack secondary sexual development. All congenital adrenal enzyme deficiencies are characterized by an enlargement of both adrenal glands due to an increase in ACTH.
21 hydroxylase deficiency
It blocks mineralocorticoid and cortisol synthesis and increases sex hormone production. BP is low and K increases. Labs show an increase in renin activity and 17 hydroxyprogesterone. It is the most common adrenal deficiency. It presents in infancy due to salt wasting or in childhood due to precocious puberty. XX genotype will have virilization. All congenital adrenal enzyme deficiencies are characterized by an enlargement of both adrenal glands due to an increase in ACTH.
11 beta hydroxylase
It decreases aldosterone production but increases 11 deoxycorticosterone, resulting in an increase in blood pressure. It decreases cortisol production and increases sex hormone production. Blood pressure increases and K decreases. Labs will show a decrease in renin activity. XX genotype will have virilization. All congenital adrenal enzyme deficiencies are characterized by an enlargement of both adrenal glands due to an increase in ACTH.
Cortisol production
Cortisol is produced in the adrenal zona fasciculata and gets bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin.
Function of cortisol
It increases blood pressure by up-regulating alpha 1 receptors on arterioles causes an increase in sensitivity to norepinephrine and epinephrine. At high concentrations, cortisol can bind to mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) receptors. It increases insulin resistance (diabetogenic). It increases gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis. It also decreases fibroblast activity, which causes striae. It also decreases inflammatory and immune responses by inhibiting production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, inhibiting WBC adhesion leading to neutrophilia, blocking histamine release from mast cells, reducing eosinophils, and blocking IL-2 production. It also decreases bone formation by decreasing osteoblast activity. Cortisol is a BIG FIB (blood pressure, insulin, gluconeugenesis, fibroblast, inflammatory and immune, and bone). Exogenous corticosteroids can cause reactivation of TB and candidiasis through blocking of IL-2 production.
Regulation of cortisol release
CRH, released from the hypothalamus, stimulates ACTH release from the pituitary, leading to cortisol production in the adrenal zona fasciculata. Excess cortisol decreases CRH, ACTH, and cortisol secretion. Chronic stress induces prolonged secretion.
Calcium homeostasis
Plasma Ca exists in three forms: ionized (45%), bound to albumin (40%), and bound to anions (15%). An increase in pH causes an increases affinity of Ca to albumin by increasing its negative charge by removing hydrogen from albumin. This can cause hypocalcemia, which causes cramps, pain, paresthesias, and carpopedal spasm.
Sources of vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
D3 comes from sun exposure in skin. D2 is ingested from plants. Both get converted to 25-OH in the liver and to 1, 25-(OH)2 (active form) in kidney.
Function of vitamin D
It causes an increase in absorption of dietary Ca and PO4. It also causes an increase in bone resorption increases Ca and PO4 in serum.
Regulation of vitamin D
An increase in PTH, a decrease in Ca concentration, and a decrease in PO4 triggers an increase in 1, 25-(OH)2 production. 1, 25-(OH)2 feedback inhibits its own production.
Vitamin D deficiency
It causes rickets in kids and osteomalacia in adults. Causes include malabsorption, a decrease in sunlight, poor diet, and chronic kidney failure. 24, 25- (OH)2 D3 is an inactive form of vitamin D. PTH leads to an increase in Ca reabsorption and a decrease in PO4 reabsorption in the kidney, whereas 1, 25-(OH) D3 leads to an increase absorption of both Ca and PO4 in the gut.
Source of parathyroid hormone
Chief cells of the parathyroid.
Parathyroid hormone function
It increases bone resorption of Ca and PO4, increases kidney reabsorption of Ca in the distal convoluted tubule, decreases reabsorption of PO4 in proximal convoluted tubule. It also increases 1, 25-(OH)2 D3 (calcitriol) production by stimulating kidney 1 alpha-hydroxylase in proximal convoluted tubule. PTH increases serum Ca, decreases serum PO4, and increases urine PO4. It also increases production of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and RANK-L (receptor activator of NF-KB ligand). RANK-L (ligand) secreted by osteoblasts and osteocytes binds RANK (receptor) on osteoclasts and increases Ca. Intermittent PTH release can stimulate bone formation. PTH=Phosphate Trashing Hormone. PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) functions like PTH and is commonly increase in malignancies.
Regulation of parathyroid hormone
A decrease in serum Ca causes an increase in PTH secretion. An increase in PO4 causes an increase in PTH. A decrease in serum Mg causes an increase in PTH secretion. A large decrease in serum Mg causes a decrease in PTH secretion. Common causes of a decrease in Mg include diarrhea, aminoglycosides, diuretics, alcohol abuse.
Calcitonin
It is produced in parafollicular cells (C cells) of thyroid. It decreases bone resorption of Ca. An increase in serum Ca trigger calcitonin secretion. Calcitonin opposes actions of PTH. It is not important in normal Ca homeostasis. CalciTONin TONes down Ca levels.
Signaling pathways involving cAMP
FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, CRH, hCG, ADH (V2 receptor), MSH, PTH, calcitonin, GRH, glucagon. (FLAT ChAMP).
Signaling pathways involving cGMP
ANP, BNP, NO (EDRF). Think vasodilators.
Signaling pathways involving IP3
GnRH, Oxytocin, ADH (V1 receptor), TRH, Histamine (H1-receptor), Angiotensin II, Gastrin (GOAT HAG).
Signaling pathways involving intracellular receptor
Vitamin D, Estrogen, Testosterone, T3/T4, Cortisol, Aldosterone, Progesterone (VETTT CAP).
Signaling pathways involving intrinsic tyrosine kinase
Insulin, IG-1, FGF, PDGF, EGF. MAP kinase pathway. Think growth factors.
Signaling pathways involving receptor associated tyrosine kinase
Prolactin, Immunomodulators (eg cytokines IL-2, IL-6, TNF), GH, G-CSF, Erythropoietin, Thrombopoietin (PIGGlET). JAK/STAT pathway. Think acidophils and cytokines.
Signaling pathway of steroid hormones
Steroid hormones are lipophilic and therefore must circulate bound to specific binding globulins, which increase their solubility.
Signaling pathway of steroid hormones
Steroid hormones are lipophilic and therefore must circulate bound to specific binding globulins, which increases their solubility. In men, an increase in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) lowers free testosterone causing gynecomastia. In women, a decrease in SHBG raises free testosterone causing hirsutism. OCPs, pregnancy increases SHGB (free estrogen levels remain unchanged). When the hormone enters the cytoplasm, it binds the receptor either in the nucleus or in the cytoplasm. There is a transformation of the receptor to expose DNA binding domain, which than binds to an enhancer-like element in DNA.
Thyroid hormones (T3/T4)
Iodine containing hormones that control the body’s metabolic rate.
Source of thyroid hormone
It is produced in the follicles of thyroid. Most T3 is formed in target tissues.
Function of thyroid hormone
It has synergism with GH by stimulating bone growth. It also stimulates CNS maturation. It increases beta 1 receptors in hear, increasing cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, and contractility. It increases basal metabolic rate by increasing Na/K ATPase activity, which increases O2 consumption, respiratory rate, and body temperature. It increases glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipolysis.
Regulation of thyroid hormone
TRH is secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulates TSH secretion from the pituitary, which stimulates follicular cells. Negative feedback by free T3 and T4 to anterior pituitary decreasing sensitivity to TRH. Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (eg TSH) stimulate follicular cells (eg Graves disease).
Wolff Chaikoff effect
Excess iodine temporarily inhibits thyroid peroxidase causing a decrease in iodine organification, decreasing T3/T4 production.
T3 function
The 4 Bs: brain muturation, bone growth, beta-adrenergic effects, basal metabolic rate increases. T3 binds nuclear receptor with greater affinity than T4.
Thyroxine-binding globuline (TBG)
TBG binds most T3/T4 in the blood. Only free hormone is active. A decrease in TBG occurs in hepatic failure and steroid use. An increase in TBG occurs in pregnancy or OCP use (estrogens increase TBG).
5’-deiodinase
Converts T4 to T3 in the peripheral tissue, since T4 is a major thyroid product.
Peroxidase
It is responsible for oxidation and organification of iodide as well as coupling of monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and di-iodotyrosine (DIT).
Propylthiouracil
inhibits both peroxidase and 5’-deiodinase.
Methimazole
inhibits peroxidase only.
Etiology of Cushing syndrome
An increase in cortisol due to a variaty of causes: exogenous corticosteroids results in a decrease in ACTH, bilateral adrenal atrophy. It is the most common cause. Primary adrenal adenoma, hyperplasia, or carcinoma can result in a decrease in ACTH, atrophy of uninvolved adrenal gland. It can also present with pseudohyperaldosteronism. ACTH secreting pituitary adenoma (Cushing disease) or paraneoplastic ACTH secretion (eg small cell lung cancer, bronchial carcinoids) can result in an increase in ACTH, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Cushing disease is responsible for the majority of endogenous cases of Cushing syndrome.
Findings with Cushing syndrome
Hypertension, weight gain, moon facies, truncal obesity, buffalo hump, skin changes (thinning, strae), osteoporosis, hyperglycemia (insulin resistance), amenorrhea, immunosuppression.
Diagnosis of Cushing syndrome
Screening tests include an increase in free cortisol on 24-hour urinalysis, an increase in midnight salivary cortisol, and no suppression with overnight low dose dexamethasone test. Also measure serum ACTH. If ACTH is low, suspect an adrenal tumor. If it is high, distinguish between Cushing disease and ectopic ACTH secretion with a high dose (8mg) dexamethasone suppression test and CRH stimulation test. Ectopic secretion will not decrease with dexamethasone because the source is resistant to negative feedback. Ectopic secretion will not increase with CRH because pituitary ACTH is suppressed.
Adrenal insufficiency
Inability of adrenal glands to generate enough glucocorticoids with or without miceralocorticoids of the body’s needs. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, muscle aches, weight loss, GI disturbances, sugar and/or salt cravings. Diagnosis involves measurement of serum electrolytes, morning/random serum cortisol and ACTH, and response to ACTH stimulation test. Alternatively, metyrapone stimulation test can also be used. Metyrapone blocks the last step of cortisol synthesis (11-deoxycortisol into cortisol). Normal responce is a decrease in cortisol and compensatory increase in ACTH. In adrenal insufficiency, ACTH remains decrease after test.
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol production due to loss of gland function causing hypotension (hyponatremic volume contraction), hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, skin and muscosal hyperpigmentation (due to MSH, a byproduct of increase ACTH production from pro-opiomelanocortin). Primary pigments the skin/mucosa. Autoimmunity is the most common cause of primary chronic adrenal insufficiency in the western world. It is associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndromes.
Acute primary adrenal insufficiency
Sudden outset (eg due to massive hemorrhage). It may present with shock in acute adrenal crisis.
Addison disease
Chronic primary adrenal insufficiency. It occurs due to adrenal atrophy or destruction by disease (eg autoimmune, TB, metastasis).
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Acute primary adrenal insufficiency due to adrenal hemorrhage associated with septicemia (usually Neisseria meningitidis), DIC, or endotoxin shock.
Secondary adrenal sufficiency
Seen with a decrease in pituitary ACTH production. No skin/mucosal hyperpigmentation, no hyperkalemia (aldosterone synthesis preserved). Secondary Spares the skin/mucosa.
Tertiary adrenal sufficiency
Seen in patients with chronic exogenous steroid use, precipitated by abrupt withdrawal. Aldosterone synthesis is unaffected. Tertiary from Treatment.
Neuroblastoma
The most common tumor of the adrenal medulla in children, usually under four years old. Originates from neural crest cells. Homer Wright rosettes (differentiated tumour cells grouped around a central region containing neuropil, therefore its association with tumors of neuronal origin). are characteristic. It occurs anywhere along the sympathetic chain. The most common presentation is abdominal distension and a firm, irregular mass that can cross the midline (ie Wilms tumor, which is smooth and unilateral). It can also present with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (dancing eyes dancing feet). Homovanillic acid (HVA, a breakdown product of dopamine) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA, a breakdown product of norepinephrine) is increased in urine. Bombesin and neuron specific enolase postitive. It is less likely to develop hypertension. It is associated with overexpression of N-myc oncogene.
Etiology of pheochromocytoma
It is the most common tumor of the adrenal medulla in adults. It is derived from chromaffin cells, which arise from neural crest. Rule of 10’s: 10% malignant, bilateral, extra-adrenal, calcify, and kids.
Symptoms of pheochromocytoma
Most tumors secrete epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which can cause episodic hypertension. It is associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, con Hippel-Lindau disease, MEN 2A and 2B. Symptoms occur in spells with relapse and remit. Episodic hyperadrenergic symptoms (5 Ps): pressure (increase in BP), pain (headache), perspiration, palpitations (tachycardia), pallor.
Findings of pheochromocytoma
An increase in catecholamines and metanephrines in urine and plasma. Enlarged pleomorphic nuclei are typical.