Endocrinology Flashcards
Give an example of a water-soluble hormone
Peptides, Monoamines
Give an example of a fat-soluble hormone
Thyroid hormones, Steroids (e.g. cortisol)
What are the different types of hormone?
Peptides, Amines, Iodothyronines, Cholesterol derivatives and Steroids
How are fat-soluble hormones transported?
Bound to proteins
How do water-soluble hormones interact with cells?
Bind to surface receptors.
How do fat- soluble hormones interact with cells?
Diffuse into the cell and bind to target receptor
Which type of hormone has a longer half life? (water or fat soluble)
Fat-soluble
Which type of hormones has faster clearance?
Water-soluble.
How are peptide hormones synthesised?
Preprohormones–> Prohormones. Then packaged as prohormones requiring further processing to acitvate
How are steroid hormones synthesised?
From a series of reactions from cholesterol
How are amino acid derivative hormones synthesised?
From Tyrosine
How are peptides stored and secreted?
In vesicles/secretory granules with regulatory secretion (in pulses/bursts)
How are steroid hormones stored and secreted?
Released immediately
How do steroid hormones induce changes?
Enter cells directly to nucleus to alter gene expression
What is the structure of peptide hormones?
Can vary in length and be linear or ring structures.
What are some examples of peptide hormones?
Insulin, LH, FSH
What are the main cholesterol derivative hormones?
Vitamin D, Adrenocrotical and gonadal steroids.
Are thyroid hormones water soluble?
No- 99% is protein bound.
Where are peptide hormone receptors?
Cell membrane
Where are steroid hormone receptors?
Cytoplasm
Where are thyroid hormone receptors
Nucleus
Give an example of an amine hormone
Dopamine, Noradrenaline and adrenaline
what hormones does the hypothalamus release?
TRH, CRH, GnRH, Somatostatin, GHRH, Dopamine
Does the anterior or posterior pituitary produce hormones?
Anterior (posterior just stores and secretes)
What hormones does the anterior pituitary gland release? (FLATP(I)G)
TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, GH, Prolactin
What hormones does the posterior pituitary release?
Oxytocin, ADH (both produced in the hypothalamus)
What are the main causes of pituitary dysfunction?
Tumour mass defects, hormone excess and hormone deficiency
What is the anterior pituitaries blood supply?
Through a portal venous circulation from the hypothalamus.
What are the 3 main signs of a pituitary tumour?
1= Pressure on local structures (e.g. optic nerves causing bitemporal hemianopia) 2= Pressure on normal pituitary causing hypopituitarism. 3= Functioning tumour (produces own hormones) causing prolactinoma, acromegaly or Cushing’s disease.
How would you investigate pituitary function?
Hormonal tests- if target organ working then pituitary is working. If abnormal, perform MRI.
What is the function of the thyroid?
Regulate metabolic rate, control heart rate, muscle and digestive function, Brain development and growth rate.
Draw out the H-P-Thyroid axis
Hypothalamus–> TRH (Thyrotropin-releasing hormone)–> Anterior pituitary –> TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone)–> Thyroid –> T3 and T4
What is T3’s full name and half life?
Tri-iodothronine
1 day
What is T4’s full name and half life?
Thyroxine
7 days
What is the effect of T3?
Acts on all peripheral tissues to increase metabolic rate.
What is the action of thyroid stimulating hormone?
Increases uptake and usage of Iodine, stimulates production of thyroid hormones and stimulates calcitonin production.
Outline the synthesis of T3 and T4
Iodide is actively transported into the thyroid from the blood stream. It reacts with a Tyrosine molecule from thyroglobulin to form thyroid hormones.
Which is the more active/ main thryoid hormone?
T3. T4 is a store which is converted as required in tissues.
What happens to T4 at peripheral tissues?
It is converted to T3
What hormones does the adrenal cortex produce?
Mineralocorticoids (ALDOSTERONE), Glucocorticoids (CORTISOL), Androgens (TESTOSTERONE)
What hormones does the adrenal medulla produce?
Catecholamines (Adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine)
Draw out the HPA axis
Hypothalamus –> CRH (Corticotrophin releasing hormone)–> Anterior pituitary–> ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone)–> Adrenal gland–> Cortisol (+Androgens + Adrenaline)
What are the actions of cortisol?
Stress hormone: increases alertness, Inhibits immune system, inhibits bone formation, raises blood glucose, increases metabolism.
What is the rhythm of cortisol release?
natural circadian rhythm- rises just before we wake up and falls before we go to sleep
Where are the adrenal glands located?
Above the kidneys
Draw out the growth hormones axis
Hypothalamus–> GHRH (Growth hormone releasing hormone) (-ve Somatostatin)–> Anterior pituitary–> GH (Growth hormone)–> Liver–> IGF-1.
What is IGF-1 and what is its function?
Insulin like growth factor. Stimulates muscle growth, increases bone density and strength, stimulates cell regeneration and reproduction and growth of internal organs.
Draw out the male gonadal axis
Hypothalamus–> GnRH–> Pituitary gland–> LH and FSH–> Testicles–> Testosterone, ABG and inhibin
What does LH stimulate in males?
Leydig cells to produce testosterone which causes spermatogenesis.
What does FSH stimulate in males?
Sertoli cells to produce Androgen binding globulin and inhibin.
What is the action of ABG (Androgen binding globulin)?
A protein which binds to testosterone and prevents is from leaving the semineferous tubules.
What is the action of Inhibin in males?
Supports spermatogenesis and inhibits the production of FSH, LH and GnRH
Draw out the female gonadal axis
Hypothalamus–> GnRH–> anterior pituitary–> LH, FSH–> Ovaries–> Oestrogen, progesterone and Inhibin
What is the function of Oestrogen?
Regulates menstrual cycle and many other processes
What is the function of inhibin in females?
Causes inhibition of activin which is responsible for GnRH production
Under what circumstances is Parathyroid hormone released?
Low serum calcium
Low magnesium
Low serum Phosphate
What is the function of the parathyroid glands?
Increase serum calcium concentration
What are the 3 main actions of PTH?
- Increases activity and number of osteoclasts in BONE, causing reabsorption of calcium into blood.
- Stimulates increase in calcium reabsorption in KIDNEYS so less calcium is excreted.
- Stimulates kidneys to convert vitamin D3 into calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) which promotes calcium absorption in small INTESTINE.
Draw RAAS Sysem
Liver–> Angiotensinogen–> RENIN from kidneys–> Angiotensin I–> ACE from lungs–> Angiotensin II
What are the actions of angiotensin II?
Causes vasoconstriction, and stimulates aldosterone release, increasing blood pressure.
What are the 4 types of hormone secretion pattern?
Continuous (e.g. prolactin), pulsatile (insulin), Circadian (ACTH, cortisol),.
What action does Somatostatin have?
Inhibits growth hormone.
Where does the pituitary gland lie?
In the pituitary fossa of the sphenoid bone, just below the hypothalamus
What structures are around the pituitary gland?
Optic chiasm, two cavernous sinuses
What is the Infundibulum?
Also known as the pituitary stalk- connects hypothalamus and pituitary- contains acons from neurons and small blood vessels.
What is the action of Dopamine
Inhibits the release of prolactin, type of neurotransmitter
What is the function of LH in females?
Stimulates the release of the egg, which stimulates progesterone release which thickens uterine wall.
What is the action of prolactin and where is it released from?
Stimulates the breast to produce milk and helps with breast development. Produced in the anterior pituitary.
what are hypophysiotropic hormones?
Hormones produced in the hypothalamus
Which hormone has a short loop mechanism and describe it?
Prolactin: Released from the anterior pituitary but this stimulates the secretion of dopamine from the hypothalamus which in turn inhibits the secretion of prolactin.
What is the action of Vasopressin?
Acts to retain fluid and maintain blood volume. Causes vasoconstriction and increased water reabsorption. Also stimulates ACTH release to increase aldosterone release to further increase fluid retention.
What triggers ADH release?
Decreased blood volume, trauma, stress, Increase blood CO2, Decrease blood O2, increased osmotic pressure.
What are the two main functions of Oxytocin?
Ejection of milk during breast feeding, contractions and onset of labour.
What are the most common diseases of the pituitary?
Bening pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, trauma, Sheehans, Sarcoid/TB
What are the 3 main diseases caused by a functioning pituitary tumour? (Hyperpituitarism)
Prolactinoma= Increased prolactin Acromegaly= Increased GH Cushings= Increased CTH
What is the definition of diabetes mellitus?
Disease of chronic hyperglycaemia due to relative insulin deficiency, resistance or both.
What are the main micro and macrovascular complications with DM?
Micro: Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy.
Macro: Heart disease, strokes, renovascular disease, limb ischeamia
What range should blood glucose levels be between under all conditions?
3.5-8.0 mmol/L
What organ is principally in charge of glucose homeostasis?
Liver
What does the liver do if blood glucose is high?
Glyogenesis (gluocose-> glycogen)
Lipogenesis (Makes triglycerides if there are sustained high sugar levels)
What does the liver do if blood glucose is low?
Glyogenolysis ( glycogen-> glucose)
Gluconeogenesis (from amino acids/ fat/ lactate) .
How much glucose is produced/used each day and how much of this is from liver glycogen?
200g
90% derived from liver glycogen and hepatic gluconeogenesis
(rest from renal gluconeogenesis)
Which organ is the major consumer of glucose and doesn’t depend on insulin?
Brain- its function depends on uninterrupted supply.
Why can the brain not use ketones as an energy source?
Free fatty acids can’t cross the blood brain barrier.
What happens to glucose taken up by muscle?
It is stored as glycogen or metabolised to CO2 and H2O or Lactate.
What is the action of insulin?
Lowers blood glucose:
- Suppresses hepatic glucose output by decreasing glyocogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
- Increases glucose uptake into insulin sensitive tissues
- Suppresses lipolysis and breakdown of muscles
Which tissues take up glucose under instruction from insulin?
Muscle: Glycogen and protein synthesis
Fat: Fatty acid synthesis
What type of hormone is insulin and where is it secreted from?
Peptide hormone secreted from the Beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
What pattern is insulin released and what is the trigger?
Released in response to B-cells sensing rising glucose levels.
Biphasic- Rapid release of stored insulin followed by insulin synthesis and release is glucose levels remain high.
Outline insulin synthesis.
Coded for on chromosome 11.
Proinsulin–> insulin
Insulin packaged into secretory granules.
What is C- peptide and what does it indicate?
It is what joins the alpha and beta chains together. It is cleaved off when insulin is packaged so with insulin release there are high levels of C peptide in the blood.
Synthetic insulin does not contain C-peptide so blood tests can tell if insulin in natural or synthetic.
Where does insulin go after secretion?
Enters the portal circulation and is carried to the liver.
What is insulins main action in the fasting state?
Regulate glucose release by the liver
What is insulins main actin on the post-prandial state (after eating)?
Promote glucose uptake by fat and muscle.
What allows glucose to bypass the cell membrane and enter cells?
GLUT proteins: Specialised glucose- transporter proteins.
Function of the GLUT-1 transporter?
Enables basal non-insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into many cells.
Function of GLUT-2 transporter?
Found in pancreatic B-cells.
Transports glucose into Beta cell, enabling them to sense glucose levels.
(only allows glucose in when there is a high concentration of glucose.)
Function of GLUT-3 transporters?
Enables non-insulin mediated glucose uptake into brain neurones and placenta.
Function of GLUT-4 transporters?
Channel through which glucose is taken up into muscle and adipose tissue following stimulation of insulin receptor.
What happens when insulin bings to a cell surface receptor?
It triggers a cascade response that results in translocation of the GLUT-4 transporter to the cell surface, increasing transport of glucose into the cell.
What is the action of glucagon?
Increases blood glucose levels:
By what mechanisms to glucagon increase blood glucose?
Increases hepatic glucose output (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.)
Reduces peripheral glucose uptake.
Stimulates peripheral release of gluconeogenic precursors (e.g. glycerol and amino acids)
Stimulates lipolysis and ketogenesis.
Where is glucagon produced?
Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas.
In what conditions is diabetes secondary?
Pancreatic disease (e.g. pancreatectomy, pancreatitis e.t.c.) Endocrine disease (e.g. acromegaly, Cushing’s) Drug induced (by thiazide diuretics or corticosteroids) MODY (Maturity onset diabetes of youth- genetic condition)
What kind of patient usually presents with Type 1 diabetes?
Young (<30), lean (Northern European more common)
What kind of patient usually presents with Type 2 diabetes?
Older (Usually >30), overweight.
What is the cause of Type 1 diabetes?
Insulin deficiency caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells
What is LADA?
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: Slower progression so insulin deficiency occurs late in life. Can be hard to differentiate from type 2.
What is the aetiology of Type 1 diabetes?
Autoimmune, idiopathic, genetic susceptibility.
What are the risk factors of type 1 diabetes?
Northern european, Family history (HLA-DR-DQ gene), other autoimmune disease, environmental factors (viruses/diet)
What is insulitis?
Inflammation of the islets of Langerhans.
What does type 1 diabetes cause?
Insulin deficiency which leads to hyperglycaemia, glycosuria and ketonuria.
What are the key presentations of type 1 diabetes?
Polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss and ketosis (more severe).
Why do patients get polyuria (and polydipsia) in type 1 diabetes?
The excess glucose draws water into the urine by osmosis.
How long is the typical history of symptoms in type 1 diabetes?
2-6 weeks
Why is weight loss a main symptom in type 1 diabetes ?
Due to fluid depletion and the accelerated breakdown of fat and muscle.
What glucose levels are needed for a diabetes diagnosis?
Random plasma glucose> 11.1mmol/L
Fasting plasma glucose > 7mmol/L
What is the HbA1c test and ideal level?
Measures amount of glucose attached to haemoglobin. HbA1c>6.5% (48mmol/mol)= diabetes
What is the main treatment for Type 1 diabetes (especially in those who have been in ketoacidosis or under 40)?
Synthetic (recombinant) human insulin.
What are the three main types on insulin treatment?
- Short acting (soluble) insulins
- Short-acting insulin analogues
- Longer-acting insulins
When would short acting insulin be used and how long does it last?
Given 15-30 minutes before meals for patients on multiple dose regimens/ during medical emergencies/ in surgery/labour. Lasts for 4-6 hours.
What are short-acting insulin analogues and when are they used?
e.g. (Lispro, Aspart, Glulisine) Have fast onset and shorter duration than normal insulin. Used with the evening meal in patients prone to nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
How long do long-acting insulins work?
Intermediate: 12-24 hours
long acting: >24 hours.
What is the most common treatment regimen for those with type 1 diabetes?
Basal-bolus: Involves longer acting form of insulin to keep blood glucose levels stable through periods of fasting and separate injections of shorter acting insulin to prevent rises in blood glucose levels resulting from meals.
How is insulin usually given?
Subcutaneous injection
What are the complications of insulin treatment?
Hypoglycaemia, lipohypertrophy at injection site, insulin resistance, weight gain.
What happens if insulin is not given in type 1 diabetes (and severe type 2)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
When is diabetic ketoacidosis usually seen?
In undiagnosed diabetes, if insulin therapy is interupted or due to stress from illness (e.g. surgery or infection).
Summarise the pathophysiology of ketoacidosis?
In the complete absence of insulin, the body tries to find other sources of energy: ↑gluconeogenesis
↑glycolysis
↑fat and muscle lysis.
Free fatty acids are converted to ketones in the liver and their accumulation causes metabolic acidosis, excarcebated by dehydration from hyperglycaemia.
What are the clinical presentations of ketoacidosis?
Pear drop- smelling breath
Dehydration- frequent urination and extreme thirst
Gradual drowsiness and vomiting
Kussmaul’s respiration (deep rapid breathing)
How is ketoacidosis diagnosed?
Hyperglycaemia (Blood glucose >11mmol/L)
Raised plasma ketones (>3mmol/L)
Metabolic acidosis (plasma bicarbonate<15mmol/L)
How is ketoacidosis treated?
Immediate ABC Replacement of fluid loss with saline Replacement of electrolytes Acid- base balance restores Replacement of deficient insulin (usually given with glucose to prevent hypoglycaemia)
Which of the bodies reactions to ketoacidosis actually make it worse?
Release of stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, glucagon and cortisol).
Vomiting (leads to futher loss of fluid and electrolytes)
Respiratory compensation (leads to hyperventilation)
What are the complications of DKA?
Death cerebral oedema Adult respiratory distress syndrome coma pneumonia
What are the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes?
(central) obesity, lack of exercise, age, family history, ethnicity
What is the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes?
Combination of deficient insulin secretion and resistance to action of insulin resulting in hyperglycaemia and high FFA’s.
At the usual time of type 2 diabetes diagnosis what is the usual reduction in Beta cell mass?
50% reduction
What is the Starling curve of the pancreas?
When circulating insulin levels are higher then in non-diabetics following diagnosis and rise further, only to decline again after months/years due to eventual secretory failure.