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.