Endocrine pharmacology

Question 1

What is the main function of the endocrine system?

Answer 1

To maintain homeostasis through feedback mechanisms.

Question 2

How does endocrine signaling work?

Answer 2

Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine glands and transported to target organs.

Question 3

What controls hormone release from the pituitary gland?

Answer 3

Release and release-inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus.

Question 3

What is the role of hormones released from the pituitary gland?

Answer 3

They regulate other endocrine glands and organs.

Question 4

What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary?

Answer 4

Oxytocin and vasopressin.

Question 5

Where are oxytocin and vasopressin synthesized?

Answer 5

In neurons of the hypothalamus.

Question 6

How are oxytocin and vasopressin released into the body?

Answer 6

Through general circulation from the posterior pituitary.

Question 6

Where are anterior pituitary hormones made?

Answer 6

In anterior pituitary cells.

Question 7

What regulates hormone release from the anterior pituitary?

Answer 7

Hypothalamic neurons release hormones into local circulation.

Question 8

What is the purpose of feedback in the endocrine system?

Answer 8

To regulate hormone release.

Question 9

What is the most common type of feedback in hormone regulation?

Answer 9

Negative feedback.

Question 10

What is an example of negative feedback?

Answer 10

Estrogen and progesterone inhibit GnRH or LH/FSH.

Question 11

What type of feedback is involved with oxytocin release?

Answer 11

Positive feedback.

Question 12

What stimulates oxytocin release?

Answer 12

Suckling and parturition (birth).

Question 13

What type of feedback regulates prolactin?

Answer 13

Positive feedback.

Question 14

How does estrogen exhibit positive feedback during the cycle?

Answer 14

High estrogen levels increase LH, leading to ovulation.

Question 15

What type of hormone is vasopressin (ADH)?

Answer 15

A peptide hormone that acts via G-protein-coupled receptors.

Question 16

What are the main functions of vasopressin?

Answer 16

Regulates blood volume and pressure; increases water reabsorption and causes vasoconstriction.

Question 17

What stimulates the release of vasopressin?

Answer 17

Increased osmotic pressure and/or decreased blood pressure.

Question 18

What do osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus respond to?

Answer 18

Increased plasma osmolality.

Question 19

What are clinical uses of vasopressin (e.g., desmopressin)?

Answer 19

Treatment of diabetes insipidus, hemophilia, clotting disorders, nocturnal enuresis.

Question 20

What are symptoms of diabetes insipidus?

Answer 20

Excessive thirst and excretion of dilute urine.

Question 21

What causes diabetes insipidus?

Answer 21

Vasopressin deficiency or kidney insensitivity to vasopressin.

Question 22

What type of hormone is oxytocin?

Answer 22

A peptide hormone that acts via G-protein-coupled receptors.

Question 23

What are the functions of oxytocin?

Answer 23

Stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Question 24

What are clinical uses of oxytocin (e.g., Pitocin)?

Answer 24

Induce or augment labor, control postpartum hemorrhage, treat lactation disorders.

Question 25

How is oxytocin structurally related to vasopressin?

Answer 25

It is structurally similar.

Question 26

Does oxytocin affect the cardiovascular system or fluid regulation?

Answer 26

It has weak effects.

Question 27

What are the main effects of growth hormone?

Answer 27

Metabolic and growth-promoting effects via IGF-1.

Question 28

What does IGF-1 do?

Answer 28

Promotes bone, muscle, and tissue growth; fat burning; gluconeogenesis.

Question 29

What receptor does IGF-1 use?

Answer 29

Receptor tyrosine kinase.

Question 30

What stimulates GH release?

Answer 30

GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone).

Question 31

When is GH secretion highest?

Answer 31

At night, during exercise, and at puberty.

Question 32

What happens in GH deficiency in children?

Answer 32

Short stature; treated with synthetic GH.

Question 33

What are complications of GH excess?

Answer 33

Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, arthritis.

Question 34

How is GH excess treated?

Answer 34

Somatostatin analogs, GH receptor antagonist, dopamine, or surgery.

Question 35

What is the function of prolactin?

Answer 35

Stimulates lactation.

Question 36

What stimulates prolactin release?

Answer 36

Suckling and TRH.

Question 37

What inhibits prolactin release?

Answer 37

Dopamine.

Question 38

What are symptoms of hyperprolactinemia in females?

Answer 38

Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility.

Question 39

What are symptoms in males with hyperprolactinemia?

Answer 39

Impotence and infertility.

Question 40

How is hyperprolactinemia treated?

Answer 40

Dopamine D2 agonist or pituitary tumor surgery.

Question 41

What stimulates LH and FSH release?

Answer 41

GnRH from the hypothalamus.

Question 41

What does FSH do?

Answer 41

Stimulates follicle growth and estrogen production.

Question 42

What does LH do?

Answer 42

Stimulates ovulation and progesterone production.

Question 43

What produces CG and when?

Answer 43

The placenta, after implantation.

Question 44

How do estrogen and progesterone affect GnRH, LH, FSH?

Answer 44

Regulate via feedback—positive during ovulation/pregnancy, otherwise negative.

Question 45

What does LH do in males?

Answer 45

Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

Question 46

What does FSH do in males?

Answer 46

Stimulates Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis and inhibin.

Question 47

What is CG used for clinically?

Answer 47

Pregnancy tests.

Question 48

What are LH kits used for?

Answer 48

To predict ovulation.

Question 49

What are GnRH antagonists used for?

Answer 49

Suppress LH/FSH in assisted reproduction and treat prostate cancer (ADT).

Question 50

What are examples of steroid hormones?

Answer 50

Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Question 51

Are steroid hormones lipophilic or hydrophilic?

Answer 51

Lipophilic.

Question 52

How are steroid hormones transported in the blood?

Answer 52

Bound to protein carriers, such as sex hormone binding globulin.

Question 53

How do steroid hormones enter the cell?

Answer 53

Free hormone diffuses through the plasma membrane.

Question 54

What does the hormone bind to inside the cell?

Answer 54

An intracellular receptor.

Question 55

What happens after the hormone binds to the receptor?

Answer 55

The hormone-receptor complex enters the nucleus.

Question 56

What does the hormone-receptor complex do in the nucleus?

Answer 56

Binds to response elements on DNA to regulate transcription.

Question 57

How fast is steroid hormone signaling?

Answer 57

Slow (takes hours).

Question 58

What types of estrogen receptors exist?

Answer 58

ERα, ERβ (steroid receptors), and GPER1 (G-protein coupled receptor).

Question 59

What oral issue can vasopressin deficiency (diabetes insipidus) cause?

Answer 59

Xerostomia due to dehydration.

Question 60

How can oral contraceptives affect the gingiva?

Answer 60

They may increase the risk of gingival inflammation and dry socket.

Question 60

How does estrogen affect gingival tissues?

Answer 60

Increases vascular permeability, leading to gingival bleeding.

Question 60

What should be assessed in diabetic insipidus patients during dental treatment?

Answer 60

Hydration status and risk of electrolyte imbalance.

Question 61

What oral side effects may occur with prolactin tumor medications?

Answer 61

Dry mouth and taste changes.

Question 62

How do hormonal changes in pregnancy or menopause affect oral health?

Answer 62

They may alter salivary composition and increase risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Question 63

What drugs can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives?

Answer 63

Enzyme-inducing drugs like rifampin, phenytoin, and St. John’s Wort.

Question 64

What is important to discuss with patients using oral contraceptives?

Answer 64

Drug interactions and updating medical history.

Question 65

What is SERM therapy used for?

Answer 65

Osteoporosis and breast cancer.

Question 66

What should be monitored in patients on SERM therapy?

Answer 66

Bone density and implications for periodontal and jawbone health.