Exam 4 Flashcards
Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland
What makes all the releasing hormones?
Where do they go?
-Hypothalamus making all the releasing hormones
-The releasing hormones go then to the Posterior or anterior Pituitary adenohypophysis and Neurohypophysis then,
-Those organs release the TROPHIC hormones then,
-They go to the end organ that makes the actual hormone that produces the effects.
Lecture 1 Disorders of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland
Disorders of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland
What organ makes
-TRH
-CRH
-GnRH
-Somatostatin
-Dopamine
-GHRH
Hypothalamus
What organ makes
-TSH
-FSH
-LH
-ACTH
-MSH
-Growth hormone
-Prolactin
Anterior Pituitary A Flat Pig
-Anterior pituitary
-FSH
-LH
-ACTH
-TSH
-Prolactin
-I makes you pig
-Growth hormone
-MSH
What organ makes
-Oxytocin
-ADH
Posterior Pituitary
What two hormones does the pancreas make?
-Insulin
-Glucagon
What hormones does the Adrenal medulla make?
-Norepinephrine
-Epinephrine
What hormones does the kidney make?
-Renin
-1, 25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol
Where is T3 and T4 made?
Thyroid gland
Where is PTH made?
-Parathyroid
What hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex?
-Cortisol
-Aldosterone
-Adrenal androgens
What two organs produce Estradiol and Progesterone?
- Ovaries
- Corpus luteum
Where is Testosterone produced?
-Testes
What hormones does the placenta produce?
-HCG
-HPL
-Estriol
-Progesterone
Acromegaly and Pituitary Gland
Pituitary Hypothalamus Axis: How does the thermostat gets disregulated?
What is the associated problem hormone at the level of the hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland, and at the level of the target tissues/organs? What is the resulting effect?
Which is the inhibitory hormone produced by the hypothalamus?
What is the physiological and pathophysiological process?
-Growth hormone
-Too much made
Hypothalamus produces
-GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone): stimulatory
-Somatostatin: inhibitory acts at the Pituitary to decrease production of Growth hormone when too much is circulating
-Growth hormone acts at multiple tissues, most importantly the liver
-Liver produces INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR.
-SOMATOMEDINS = insulin-like growth factors that produce the pathologic effects at target tissues.
Diabetes Insipidus
What are things that cause PU/PD?
-Diabetes mellitus
-Chronic Renal failure
-Diabetes Insipidus
-Psychogenic polydipsia: behavioral drinking too much
-Pyometria: E. coli antagonizes ADH at the receptor
-Hypercalcemia: antagonizes ADH at the receptor
-Hypokalemia: antagonizes ADH at the receptor
-Hyponatremia
-Hyperthyroidism
-Hyperadrenocorticism
**Any kidney disease, any liver disease, many endocrine diseases, DIABETES INSIPIDUS **
What drugs can cause PU/PD?
-Glucocorticoids: inhibit ADH secretion by hypothalamus/Pituitary. Inhibit action of ADH on kidney
-Barbiturates: PHENOBARBITOL inhibits action of ADH on kidney
-Diuretics
-Thyroxine (T4)
-Salt supplementation
What are the Anabolic Effects of Growth hormone? GH
What are the indirect and direct anabolic effects?
What somatomendins are involved in promoting growth?
- Indirect: increased muscle mass, increased linear bone growth, increased organ size and function
-Promote growth
-Mediated by somatomedins (IGF)
-IGF 1 = somatomedin C = body building, promote growth of organs and muscle, increased in organ size and function
-IG 2 = Somatomedin A = liver makes more protein
- Direct anabolic effects
-Not mediated by somatomedins
-Increased Protein Synthesis isn the liver
What are the Catabolic effects of Growth hormone?
Catabolic: breaking down to get more nutrients available for the body to build up/growth
Growth hormone is the enemy of insulin, directly causing insulin resistance, makes it harder for sugar to get into the cells because it wants it to stay in the blood stream to be used up by growing muscle to bulk up.
-Increased Gluconeogenesis and output by liver
-Decreased glucose uptake in the muscle
-Insulin resistance
-Increased lipolysis in adipose tissue
-Increased release of FFAs into blood (IR)
-Increased Ketone formation
Acromegaly - Etiology
Which patients species are more represented?
Feline = most common
-Benign tumor in Pituitary gland
-Functional adenoma of Somatotroph cells in Pars Distilis of Pituitary gland
-Chronic, excessive secretion of GH
Canine
-Prolonged exposure to progestogens
-Exogenous progestins
-Rarely: GH-producing pituitary or mammary tumor
Acromegaly - Signalment and clinical signs
-Male
-Mixed-breed cats
->8yo
-Anabolic effects of GH
-Catabolic effects go GH
-Neurologic effects of pituitary tumor: rarely
C/S
Anabolic
-Increased in body size
-Enlargement of abdomen
-Weight gain
-Protrusion of mandible: lower jaw sticks out = underbite
-Organomegaly (heart, liver, kidney, adrenal gland)
-HCM in cats
-Soft tissue thickening in pharyngeal region - respiratory distress
-Increased interdental space
Catabolic C/S
-Insulin resistance
-Diabetes mellitus
-PU/PD/Polyphagia
-Weight loss +/-, may see weight gain despite unregulated diabetes mellitus
-Insulin resistance can be marked, requiring 2-3units/kg
Neurologic C/S
-Circling, seizures, behavior changes, somnolence…
What are these C/S?
Acromegaly
-underbite
-increased head/body size
What are some laboratory findings of Acromegaly?
-Hyperglycemia
-Glycosuria
-Elevated cholesterol
-Mildly elevated ALT, ALP
-Elevated serum phosphate (without azotemia)
-Elevated serum protein
-Erythrocytosis
How is Acromegaly diagnose? Dx, Tx, and Px
Ddx list
-Based on clinical signs and history
-NO reliable GH test in Vetmed
-Identification of conformational alterations typical of acromegaly and a stable or increasing body weight in a cat with insulin resistant Diabetes Mellitus
-Elevated IGF 1 (somatomedin C)
-CT or MRI with pituitary tumor findings
Ddx
-Insulin resistent diabetes mellitus
-Acromegaly
-Hyperadrenocorticism
-Obesity related
Tx
-Eliminate tumor
-Radiotherapy
-Surgery
-Cryotherapy
-Management of Insulin resistance large doses >20 units/day
-Management of HCM if present
No medical protocol currently available
-Somatostatin analogs: Octreotide & Pasireotide
Px
-Survival 4-60mts
-Long-term: poor
Pituitary Dwarfism who is the breed most overly represented?
-German shepherd
-Autosomal recessive
-Pituitary cysts
C/S
-Lack of growth, endocrine alopecia
-Skin hyperpigmentation
-Body vs. legs disproportions
Tx
-Administration of growth hormone
Px
-Variable
Diabetes Insipidus
What are some causes of PU/PD?
- Renal disease
- Hepatic disease
- Endocrine disease
- Miscellaneous: elites (low K, low Na, high Ca), drugs, endotoxins
- Psychogenic polydipsia “Crazy lab syndrome”
Describe the Renal Medullary Solute Washout
-Loss of solutes (Na, Urea) in medulla results in loss of hypertonicity and impaired ability of the kidney to concentrate urine
-Due to conditions causing PU/PD
-Resolves once the underlying condition is treated
-Can interfere with water depravation test. It may take months for animal to re-establish normal osmolality
Central Diabetes Insipidus
-Defective synthesis or secretion of Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) AKA ADH by hypothalamus/post pituitary
Causes
-Insufficient secretion of ADH by hypothalamus/Pituitary (anterior pituitary) can be complete or partial
-Idiopathic: young
-Head trauma
-Neoplasia
-Malformations/cysts
-Misc: inflammation, parasitic migration
Signalment
-No breed, sex or age predilection
-Primary puppies, kittens, young adults
-Secondary - varies depending on underlying cause
C/S
-PU/PD
-Occasionally incontinence
-Hypothalamus/pituitary tumor
-Head trauma
-Hydration WNL as long as animal has access to water and is drinking
Dx
-Rulo out of acquired secondary
-PE
-Minimum database: CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis with culture
-T4 (cats)
-Adrenal function test (ACTH stim, LDDST)
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Hypercalcemia, Hypokalemia
-Defective Responsiveness of kidney to AVP/ADH in distal tubules
Causes
-Impaired responsiveness of the kidney to ADH
-Primary idiopathic
-Primary familial: HUSKIES
-Secondary acquired
Where does ADH acts, when is it release, and what is the effect?
-Acts on distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts
-ADH (vasopressin) is released when plasma osmolality is increased or when extracellular fluid volume is decreased
-Results in decreased urine volume
-Promotes FREE water resorption
-It also constricts arterioles which increases peripheral vascular resistance and hence blood pressure
Diabetes Insipidus Tests
What is the normal urine specific gravity? what does an abnormal USG indicate?
When and why to perform a specific DI test?
- Response to Desmopressin: preferred test
-Evaluate patient’s response to trial therapy with desmopressin acetate (DDAVP)
-Oral tablets, nasal drops in conjunctiva
-Every 12 hours for 7 days
Central DI
-Owners will notice a definite decrease in PU/PD and increase in USG >1.030
Nephrogenic DI
-Minimal to no response will be noted in PU/PD and USG
Psychogenic DI
-Exhibits mild decrease in PU/PD
Hyperadrenocorticism: mimics partial DI - moderate response to DDAVP: must rule out prior to resting to avoid misdiagnosing
- Modified Water Deprivation Test: labor intense
- Random plasma osmolality: not very specific, overlaps
- Water depravation test
First Phase
A) Gradual water depravation by owner 3-5 days prior (10% decrease <30ml/lb/d)
B) In hospital: initially empty bladder, weigh, measure USG, BUN, etc. Repeat every 2-4 hours
Ends when USG >1.030 or loses 5% of body weight
Nephrogenic DI
-Primary: Can not concentrate urine in the face of 3-5% dehydration
-Secondary: rule these out prior to water deprivation test
Second Phase
Response to DDAVP (desmopressin)
-If you hold water and they concentrate urine, then it is psychogenic/behavioral. Central wouldn’t be able to concentrate
-Differentiates between central vs. Nephrogenic
-Central DI: will respond to ADH/AVP by concentration of urine
-Nephrogenic: will not respond to ADH/AVP
Treatment for Central DI
-No treatment: outdoor cat/dog if access to water
-Complete: DDAVP oral or nasal drops in conjunctiva
-Partial: DDAVP
-Thiazide diuretics: mildly effective
-Low Na diet
Treatment of Nephrogenic DI (Primary)
-Thiazine diuretics
-Low Na diet
-No treatment
DI - Prognosis
Central on underlying cause: excellent
Central due to trauma: good
Central due to secondary tumors: usually guarded to poor
Nephrogenic: guarded to poor
Psychogenic: good
Lecture 2
- Cushing’s: chronic disease, lifelong, frustrating disease
- Pheochromocytoma
Regulation of Cortisol Secretion by hypothalamus Pituitary Axis
-Hypothalamus secretes Corticoid Releasing Hormone,
-Pituitary Stimulated by it releases Adrenocortotropic Hormone
-ACTH stimulates adrenal glands CORTEX to produce Cortisol and other hormones
GFR
Zona glomerulosa: Mineralcorticoids
Zona Fasciculata: Glucocorticoids = Cortisol
Zona Reticularis: Androgen precursors
-Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
-DHEA Sulfate
-Androstendione
Medulla
-Catecholamines
What are some factors that influence ACTH Secretion and Inhibition?
What are some actions of Cortisol/Glucocorticoids?
Kidney
CV system
Hemopoetic System
Secretion
-Stress: hypoglycemia
-Infections/fever
-Low cortisol levels
Inhibition
-High cortisol levels
-Exogenous steroids
-Dopamine: inhibits
The Effects/Actions
-Increase glucose concentrations in blood
-Increase gluconeogenesis
-Build up of glycogen for epinephrine and glucagon to act on
-Enhances glucagon release
Causes insulin resistance
-Enhances lipolysis and ketogenesis
-Increases appetite and caloric intake
Cortisol mobilizes fats and glucose in the body so that we can do all the functions
Insulin antagonist
Effect on Kidney
-Increase GFR
-Decrease ADH and its action
-Increase free water clearance
Effect on CV system
-Maintains cardiac output
-Maintains Blood pressure
-Maintains blood volume
Patients with low cortisol levels are hypovolemic with low BP
Hemopoetic System
-Increase RBC formation
-WBCs = Neutrophilia, Lymphopenia, Eosinopenia, Monocytosis Stress leukogram
-Decrease lymphocytes
Cushing’s Disease - Hyperadrenocorticism
what are the two types?
Disease syndrome resulting from abnormally high levels of cortisol circulating in the body
- Pituitary dependent = Central
-Accounts for 85% of HAC
-Functional ACTH producing adenoma. Hyperplastic or reacting too much
-Endogenous ACTH levels elevated
C/S
-Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
-Increased cortisol
Excessive CRH from Hypothalamus
-Rare
-Hypothalamic or CNS disease
C/S
-Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
-Increased ACTH
-Elevated cortisol
- Adrenocortical dependent or iatrogenic
-15-20% of spontaneous HAC
-50% adenomas, 50% adenocarcinomas
-Excess cortisol secretion = suppression of CRH and ACTH
C/S
-Decreased ACTH
-Unilateral adrenal tumor
-One adrenal atrophic
-Elevated cortisol
Iatrogenic
-Excessive administration of glucocorticoids
-Exogenous suppress CRH and ACTH
-Bilateral adrenal gland atrophy
C/S
-Decreased cortisol
-Everything is suppressed including hypothalamus
Cushing’s Clinical Presentation
-PU/PD
-Polyphagia
-Panting
-Abdominal enlargement “pendulous abdomen”
-Muscle weakness
-Lethargy
No muscle tone in the abdomen, glycogen in liver production excessive = hepatomegaly likely
-Dermatitis
-Pyoderma
-Adult onset demodecosis
-Endocrine alopecia
-Hyperpigmentation
-Hyperkeratosis
-Calcinosis cutis: dystrophic calcification, Ca normal in the blood but accumulation in the skin.
-Prone to calcium oxalate stones in bladder
Pituitary tumor C/S
-Inappetence
-Wandering, pacing, ataxia, head pressing, circling
-If the hypothalamus is compressed then ANS dysfunction can occur
Potential Complications
-Systemic hypertension
-Urinary tract infection
-Pyelonephritis
Need urine culture
-Proteinuria
-Calcium calculi
-Dystrophic calcification
-Pulmonary thromboembolic disease (PTE)
-CHF
-Pancreatitis
-Diabetes mellitus
HAC in Cats
-Uncommon but similar signs as dogs
Causes
-PDH 80%
-AT 20% (adrenal tumor, adenoma or carcinoma)
-Iatrogenic: rare
C/S
Thin, fragile skin, and diabetes
-Hepatomegaly
-Skin infections
-Pot belly, muscle wasting
Diagnosis Cushing’s Dogs & Cats
Dogs
-Elevated ALP (aka SAP) but not specific
-Hypercholesterolemia (75% of cases)
-Hyperglycemia
Cats & Dogs
-Stress leukogram
-Mildly elevated PCV
Hyposthenuria
-Proteinuria
-UTI
-Glucosuria if concurrent diabetes mellitus
Cats
-Consistent with insulin resistant diabetes mellitus
-Mildly elevates ALT
-Elevated cholesterol
-Hyperglycemia
Radiographs
-Hepatomegaly likely
-Adrenal mass maybe identified due to calcification, but not indicative of malignancy for sure
-PTE evidence and metastases possible
**Bilateral normal or enlarged adrenal glands in dogs with clinical signs is supportive of PDH
-Single adrenal mass is consistent with Adrenal tumor
Ultrasound
-Normal US does not rule out Cushing’s
-Adrenal tumor maybe visible
MRI and CT
-If neurologic impairment present
-Used for planning and assessment of radiation therapy (stereotactic radio ablation surgery)
-Can be used to assess the symmetry of the adrenal glands
Testing for Cushing’s
- Diagnostic
- Differentiation
- Diagnostic tests
a. Urine cortisol-creatinine ratio (UCC)
b. Low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS)
c. ACTH stimulation test: adrenal cortex = GFR zones, everything but catecholamines
- Differentiation PDH vs. AT
a. Abdominal ultrasound
b. High-dose dexamethasone suppression (HDDS)
c. Endogenous ACTH level
Sensitivity vs. Specificity
SpIN= Rule the condition IN = If the test if positive
SnOUT = Rule the condition OUT = If the test is negative
Diagnostic Test
Urine cortisol-creatinine Ration (UCCR)
-Sensitive
-Not specific
-So, if the test is negative = rule out Cushing’s
Best used for a dog in which you do NOT suspect cortisol dependent
Diagnostic Test
Low Dexamethasone Dose
The screening test of choice
-High sensitivity
-Moderate specificity
-So, if test is negative, the patient does NOT have the disease.
Dexamethasone
-Suppresses hypothalamus and pituitary
-If they are not suppressed, then they have Cushing’s
-If suppressed at 4 hours, but rebound at 8 hours Pituitary dependent
Results
-Non-adrenal illness will decrease specificity
-Long time: takes 8 hours
-Moderate cost
-Only assesses CORTISOL
Diagnostic Test
ACTH Stimulation Test
Pros
-Quick, 1 hour test
-Higher specificity (if positive then rule in the disease) than LDDS test
-Gives the baseline values pre-treatment
Cons
-Lower sensitivity than LDDS (can’t rule it out)
-Concurrent illness will decrease specificity
-Stress can cause a false positive/high result
-Cost of the rest: not much
The majority of dogs with classic Cushing’s disease screened with an ACTH response or LDDST will have at least one positive test
Differentiating Tests
Abdominal ultrasound
-Bilateral adrenomegaly = Pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism
-Adrenal mass with small contralateral adrenal gland = Adrenal tumor
Differentiation Test
High Dexamethosone Dose (HDDS)
-Higher dose of dexamethasone will cause PDH cases to suppress at 4 hours and rebound by 8 hours
-Adrenal tumor never responds, it would stay high and not suppressed
Differentiation Test
Endogenous ACTH level
-PDH = high endogenous ACTH
-AT = low endogenous ACTH
Technically difficult
-Spin and separate plasma immediately
-Add proteinase inhibitor aprotinin
-Challenging to ship: freeze, dry ice, overnight.
What is an atypical Cushing’s Disease?
-Routine screening tests LDDS and ACTH stimulation normal
-ONe or more sex steroids are elevated in an ACTH stimulation
-HS, PE, CBC, Biochemical, chemistry and UA results, and imaging consistent with hyperadrenocorticism
Adrenal Panel
-3Beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme
-Trilostane = inhibitor
-Trilostane and mitotane are preferred treatment and efficacious
When do we treat Cushing’s ?
-Signs affecting quality of life of dog and/or owner
-Signs concerning to veterinarian (complications)
-NOT just because ALP is elevated
Cushing’s Treatment
Trilostane
-Approved and most widely used
-Blocks production of aldosterone and cortisol
-Competitive inhibitor of 3Beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme system
Side Effects
-Excessive ACTH production continues
-Adrenal can increase in size during treatment
-Transient hypocorticism
Dose
Twice daily, lower dosing is safer and effective
0.5-1.0 mg/kg q12hr
-ACTH stim in 10-14 days following initiation and again in 2 weeks
-Then ACTH stim every 3-6 mts
Post cortisol 4 hours after Trilostane dose. Cortisol should be 2-5ug/dL
-If cortisol too low, discontinue or lower dose and re-test in 1-2 weeks
Cushing’s treatment
o,p’ -DDD (Mitotane, Lysodren)
-Potent adrenocorticolytic drug
-Induces necrosis of the zona fasciculata and reticular
Adrenalectomy & Radiation
Client Education
Adrenalectomy
-Treatment of choice for adrenal tumor unless metastases present or patient unstable
-MRI, contrast radiographs, prior to surgery
-Invasion of caudal vena cava evaluation
-Increased risk for PTE during anesthesia, heparin
Radiation
-Stereotactic radiation treatment of choice for pituitary macro tumor disease
-about 33% complete response and several years survival
What are some complications of Cushing’s?
-Infections
-Immune system suppression
-Muscle weakness
-Peripheral neuropathy
-Systemic hypertension
-Proteinuria: >0.5 treat
-Calcium Oxalate: increased calciuresis from excessive glucocorticoid production. Urinary bladder, renal, biliary/GB
-Dystrophic Calcification: Calcinosis cutis
-Diabetes mellitus: elevated ALP and diabetic patient NOT enough to test for Cushing’s
-Pancreatitis: no conclusive data
-Pro-coagulant: thromboembolism 10x more at risk
-Biliary Mucocele: 29 x more prevalent. Cholestasus, GB dysmotility
-CNS signs from pituitary tumor: uncommon
What are some complications of Cushing’s?
What are some complications of Cushing’s?
What are some complications of Cushing’s?
What are some complications of Cushing’s?
What are some of the Supplements used to treat Cushing’s complications/symptoms?
-Melatonin
-HMR ligans
-SDG ligans (flaxseed)
Supraglan