Endocrine Drugs Flashcards
What is the function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is controlled by….
1) coordinate body function with the nervous system.
2) release hormones to maintain homeostasis.
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Processes controlled by the Endocrine System
- Growth & development
- Reproduction
- Body defenses
- Water, electrolyte and nutrient
balance - Regulation of cellular metabolism and energy balance
Compare the nervous and endocrine systems?
1) Nervous system is wired between neurons and target cells, while endocrine system is wireless.
2) Nervous system releases neurotransmitters that travel short distances, while endocrine releases hormones that travel long distances.
3) Nervous system has an anatomic relationship between nerve and target cell while endocrine system has specificity with target cell binding.
4) Nervous system response is rapid and brief while endocrine system is slow and long lasting.
5)Nervous system coordinates rapid precise responses while endocrine controls long duration activities.
Which class of diuretics aids in calcium reabsorption – a process regulated by Parathyroid hormone?
A. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
B. Thiazide
C. Loop Diuretics
D. Aldosterone antagonists
Thiazides
What is the primary mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics in the management of hypertension?
A) Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system
B) Blocking Na/Cl channels in the distal convoluted tubule
C) Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
D) Blocking potassium channels in the collecting ducts
B
All of the following are thiazide diuretics EXCEPT:
A. Metolazone
B.Bendrofluazide
C.Hydrochlorothiazide
D.Amiloride
D
What is the difference between hormones and enzymes?
Hormones bind to receptors while enzymes catalyse reactions.
What are hormones?
What is the mechanism of action?
Remember Hormones are pharmacologically classified as drugs
Chemical substances secreted by the cells into the extracellular fluids that stimulate or regulate the metabolic activity of other cells in the body.
binding of the hormone to the target cell or organ elicits a response.
Endocrine drugs can be natural or synthetic.
T/F
What are the Indications for endocrine drugs?
T
Replacement therapy
Treatment for certain disorders
Diagnostic purposes
Explain the HPA Axis.
Remember Adrenocorticotropic Hormone is a pituitary hormone.
The hypothalamus releases Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) when it senses stress.
CRH tells the pituitary gland to release Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).
It tells the adrenal cortex to release cortisol (CORT) (the main stress hormone).
Cortisol causes weight gain and water retention
Once enough cortisol is in the blood, it signals back to the hypothalamus & pituitary gland.
to reduce CRH and ACTH.
What are the adrenal hormones?
Cortisol (metabolism and stress)
aldosterone( bp)
adrenaline (fight or flight)
What is Addison’s Disease?
Also called renal insufficiency.
Adrenal glands cannot produce enough hormones.
low bp, weakness, weight loss, vitiligo, hyperpigmentation, anorexia, dehydration
What is Thyrotropin Stimulating
Hormone (TSH)?
How does it work to make T3 and T4?
- Hypothalamus secretes TRH which
- makes pituitary secrete TSH
- which Stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4
- negative feedback to hypothalamus
T3: triiodothyronine (most active)
T4: thyroxine (converted to T3 in the body)
What is the purpose of thyroid hormones T3 and T4?
Compare hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism regarding T3 and T4 levels.
growth and maturation
Hypothyroidism (Too Little T3 & T4)= Slow & Sluggish
Hyperthyroidism (Too Much T3 & T4) = Fast & Furious
What is Hypothyroidism?
Inability of the thyroid gland to supply sufficient thyroid hormone to the body.
It manifests as Cretinism (infant-state) and
Myxedema (adult-state)
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Also called Thyrotoxicosis.
Over abundance of thyroid hormone in the body.
Manifests as
Graves’ Disease -most common
Plummer’s Disease- less common
with cardiac abnormalities
