Endocrine Pharmacology

Question 1

Function and types of hormones

Answer 1

Hormones are endogenous chemical messengers released into the bloodstream to exert effects on target cells.

Question 2

Feedback mechanisms

Answer 2

Negative Feedback: Increase in hormone release inhibits further release. Positive Feedback: Rising hormone levels increase other hormones.

Question 3

Steroid hormones

Answer 3

Derived from lipids (cholesterol). Examples: sex hormones, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids.

Question 4

Peptide hormones

Answer 4

Derived from amino acids (proteins). Examples: hypothalamic releasing factors, pituitary hormones, thyroid releasing hormones (T3, T4), NE, epinephrine.

Question 5

Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)

Answer 5

Control glucose metabolism, handle stress, reduce inflammation, suppress immune response. Examples: cortisol, corticosterone.

Question 6

Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)

Answer 6

Maintain fluid levels, manage electrolyte balance. Example: aldosterone.

Question 7

Sex hormones - Testosterone

Answer 7

Male hormone, regulates reproductive function, stimulates secondary sexual characteristics.

Question 8

Sex hormones - Estrogen and Progesterone

Answer 8

Female hormones, regulate reproductive function, facilitate pregnancy.

Question 9

Thyroid hormones (T3, T4)

Answer 9

Increase cellular metabolism, promote normal growth and development, enhance cardiovascular function.

Question 10

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Answer 10

Regulates calcium homeostasis, increases calcium in the bloodstream, involved in bone mineralization.

Question 11

Hyperthyroidism treatment - Antithyroid agents

Answer 11

Inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis. Examples: Propylthiouracil, Methimazole.

Question 12

Hyperthyroidism treatment - Radioactive iodine

Answer 12

Destroys thyroid tissue, emits beta radiation.

Question 13

Hyperthyroidism treatment - Beta-blockers

Answer 13

Suppress symptoms such as tachycardia and restlessness.

Question 14

Hypothyroidism treatment - Levothyroxine

Answer 14

Synthetic thyroid hormone, replaces deficient T4 hormone.

Question 15

Adrenocortical disorders - Addison’s disease

Answer 15

Adrenal cortex destruction, treated with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement.

Question 16

Adrenocortical disorders - Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 16

Excessive glucocorticoid production, treatment may involve reducing steroid use.

Question 17

Replacement therapy

Answer 17

Used when endogenous hormone production is deficient or absent.

Question 18

Inhibition of hormone production

Answer 18

Used to treat excessive hormone function by inhibiting hormone synthesis.

Question 19

Exploiting beneficial effects

Answer 19

Example: Glucocorticoids for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Question 20

Glucocorticoids - Side effects

Answer 20

Muscle wasting, osteoporosis, hypertension, glucose intolerance, increased infection risk.

Question 21

Mineralocorticoids - Side effects

Answer 21

Hypertension, fluid retention, hypokalemia.

Question 22

Androgens - Side effects

Answer 22

In women: irregular menstruation, acne. In men: bladder irritation, breast swelling.

Question 23

Estrogen therapy - Side effects

Answer 23

Higher risk of cardiovascular disease, abnormal blood clotting, nausea, swelling.

Question 24

Biphosphonates (e.g., alendronate)

Answer 24

Used to treat osteoporosis, inhibit osteoclast activity, adverse effects include esophagitis and jaw defects.

Question 25

Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol)

Answer 25

Increase blood calcium levels, used with calcium supplements to treat osteoporosis.

Question 26

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) - Mechanism

Answer 26

Regulates calcium homeostasis by altering calcium metabolism in bones, kidneys, and GI tract.

Question 27

Glucocorticoids - Clinical uses

Answer 27

Treat endocrine disorders, reduce inflammation, manage autoimmune diseases, provide joint/back pain relief.

Question 28

Glucocorticoids - Adverse effects

Answer 28

Adrenocortical suppression, drug-induced Cushing’s syndrome, tissue breakdown, increased infection risk.

Question 29

Mineralocorticoids - Clinical uses

Answer 29

Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in adrenocortical insufficiency, treat conditions like Addison’s disease.

Question 30

Mineralocorticoids antagonists

Answer 30

Block aldosterone receptors, used to treat hypertension, examples: Spironolactone, Eplerenone.

Question 31

Rehab considerations for glucocorticoids

Answer 31

Monitor vitals, educate on infection risk, incorporate strengthening and weight-bearing activities.

Question 32

Rehab considerations for mineralocorticoids

Answer 32

Monitor for hypertension and fluid retention, adjust dosage as needed.

Question 33

Androgen abuse

Answer 33

Increased athletic performance, risks include liver damage, prostate cancer, cardiovascular concerns.

Question 34

Estrogen and progesterone uses

Answer 34

Treat osteoporosis, hypogonadism, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, and certain carcinomas.

Question 35

Hormonal contraceptives

Answer 35

Inhibit ovulation, adverse effects include cardiovascular problems, nausea, weight gain.

Question 36

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Answer 36

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism, essential for normal development and metabolism.

Question 37

Thyroid disorder treatments

Answer 37

Hyperthyroidism: antithyroid agents, radioactive iodine. Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine.

Question 38

Bone mineralization and metabolism

Answer 38

Involvement of hormones like PTH, vitamin D, and calcitonin in regulating bone formation and resorption.

Question 39

Calcium supplements

Answer 39

Ensure adequate calcium levels, prevent osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets.

Question 40

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)

Answer 40

Example: Raloxifene (Evista), bind to estrogen receptors in bones, used to treat osteoporosis.