endocrinology part 2 Flashcards
specific ACTH receptor to which ACTH can bind to are found on?
zona fasciculatata and zona reticularis
what happens when ACTH binds to its specific receptor?
Stimulation of adenylyl cyclase leading to increase production of cAMP.
what happens in G protein cascade caused by binding of ACTH to its receptor?
This activates the steroidogenic enzymes responsible for the synthesis and release of steroid hormones.
when are secretions of ACTH and cortisol max during the day?
morning
when are secretions of ACTH and cortisol min during the day?
evening
what factor is extremely important to circadian rhythms?
light
what may induce a significant increase in synthesis and release of CRH, ACTH, Cortisol?
stress stimulus
how can stress be advantageous when releasing cortisol?
it provides energy and amino acids through the breakdown of tissue proteins, especially under conditions where normal feeding is not feasible.
how can stress be disadvantageous when releasing cortisol?
it prevents wounds from healing
what can prolonged stress result in?
- elevated blood glucose
- adrenal diabetes
- decreased immune response
- loss of bone
what is addison’s disease a result of?
hypofunction of the adrenal glands
what is the main cause of addison’s disease?
- athrophy of adrenal gland due to TB
- may involve total destruction of the adrenal
what are the most severe symptoms of addison’s disease due to?
deficency of mineralocorticoids
what are some symptoms associated with addison’s disease?
- decreased ECF
- decreased plasma volume
- decreased cardiac output
- acidosis
- hyponatremia
what is hyponatremia?
low sodium levels in blood
what is cushing’s disease?
hyperfunction of the adrenal glands
what happens to the adrenal cortex in the case of cushing’s disease?
hyperplasia due to increased levels of ACTH
what happens in the case of cushing’s disease?
- excessive production of glucocorticoids
- increased production of mineralocorticoids
- uncontrolled sex hormone production leads to masculinization of female
what does an increased production of mineralocorticoids lead to?
alkalosis (increased blood pH)
where is the pancreas located?
behind the stomach
what part of the pancreas is endocrine?
islets of langerhans
what type of hormones are insulin and glucagon?
protein hormones
what is the main function of insulin?
reduces levels of glucose in the blood
what is the fasting glucose level?
80 mg/ 100 mL