Endocrine Pharmacology Flashcards
Function and types of hormones
Hormones are endogenous chemical messengers released into the bloodstream to exert effects on target cells.
Feedback mechanisms
Negative Feedback: Increase in hormone release inhibits further release. Positive Feedback: Rising hormone levels increase other hormones.
Steroid hormones
Derived from lipids (cholesterol). Examples: sex hormones, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids.
Peptide hormones
Derived from amino acids (proteins). Examples: hypothalamic releasing factors, pituitary hormones, thyroid releasing hormones (T3, T4), NE, epinephrine.
Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)
Control glucose metabolism, handle stress, reduce inflammation, suppress immune response. Examples: cortisol, corticosterone.
Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)
Maintain fluid levels, manage electrolyte balance. Example: aldosterone.
Sex hormones - Testosterone
Male hormone, regulates reproductive function, stimulates secondary sexual characteristics.
Sex hormones - Estrogen and Progesterone
Female hormones, regulate reproductive function, facilitate pregnancy.
Thyroid hormones (T3, T4)
Increase cellular metabolism, promote normal growth and development, enhance cardiovascular function.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Regulates calcium homeostasis, increases calcium in the bloodstream, involved in bone mineralization.
Hyperthyroidism treatment - Antithyroid agents
Inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis. Examples: Propylthiouracil, Methimazole.
Hyperthyroidism treatment - Radioactive iodine
Destroys thyroid tissue, emits beta radiation.
Hyperthyroidism treatment - Beta-blockers
Suppress symptoms such as tachycardia and restlessness.
Hypothyroidism treatment - Levothyroxine
Synthetic thyroid hormone, replaces deficient T4 hormone.
Adrenocortical disorders - Addison’s disease
Adrenal cortex destruction, treated with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement.
Adrenocortical disorders - Cushing’s syndrome
Excessive glucocorticoid production, treatment may involve reducing steroid use.
Replacement therapy
Used when endogenous hormone production is deficient or absent.
Inhibition of hormone production
Used to treat excessive hormone function by inhibiting hormone synthesis.
Exploiting beneficial effects
Example: Glucocorticoids for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
Glucocorticoids - Side effects
Muscle wasting, osteoporosis, hypertension, glucose intolerance, increased infection risk.
Mineralocorticoids - Side effects
Hypertension, fluid retention, hypokalemia.
Androgens - Side effects
In women: irregular menstruation, acne. In men: bladder irritation, breast swelling.
Estrogen therapy - Side effects
Higher risk of cardiovascular disease, abnormal blood clotting, nausea, swelling.
Biphosphonates (e.g., alendronate)
Used to treat osteoporosis, inhibit osteoclast activity, adverse effects include esophagitis and jaw defects.
Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol)
Increase blood calcium levels, used with calcium supplements to treat osteoporosis.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) - Mechanism
Regulates calcium homeostasis by altering calcium metabolism in bones, kidneys, and GI tract.
Glucocorticoids - Clinical uses
Treat endocrine disorders, reduce inflammation, manage autoimmune diseases, provide joint/back pain relief.
Glucocorticoids - Adverse effects
Adrenocortical suppression, drug-induced Cushing’s syndrome, tissue breakdown, increased infection risk.
Mineralocorticoids - Clinical uses
Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in adrenocortical insufficiency, treat conditions like Addison’s disease.
Mineralocorticoids antagonists
Block aldosterone receptors, used to treat hypertension, examples: Spironolactone, Eplerenone.
Rehab considerations for glucocorticoids
Monitor vitals, educate on infection risk, incorporate strengthening and weight-bearing activities.
Rehab considerations for mineralocorticoids
Monitor for hypertension and fluid retention, adjust dosage as needed.
Androgen abuse
Increased athletic performance, risks include liver damage, prostate cancer, cardiovascular concerns.
Estrogen and progesterone uses
Treat osteoporosis, hypogonadism, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, and certain carcinomas.
Hormonal contraceptives
Inhibit ovulation, adverse effects include cardiovascular problems, nausea, weight gain.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism, essential for normal development and metabolism.
Thyroid disorder treatments
Hyperthyroidism: antithyroid agents, radioactive iodine. Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine.
Bone mineralization and metabolism
Involvement of hormones like PTH, vitamin D, and calcitonin in regulating bone formation and resorption.
Calcium supplements
Ensure adequate calcium levels, prevent osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
Example: Raloxifene (Evista), bind to estrogen receptors in bones, used to treat osteoporosis.
