Hormones Flashcards
What are classical endocrine hormones?
Hormones that act on distant tissues to regulate metabolic function
Tend to be long lasting
What are the 2 local hormone types?
Paracrines and autocrines
What do paracrines do?
Act on target cells near release site
What do autocrines do?
Act on the cells that secreted them
What is the difference between classic and local hormones?
Classic - long lasting
Local - short lived
Classify hormones based on their chemical nature
Steroids (cholesterol)
Peptides and Glycoproteins
Amines
Eicosanoids
Describe steroid hormones
Derived from cholesterol
Circulate bound to carrier proteins to allow higher levels in blood
Mostly gonadal and adrenocortical
Give examples of steroid hormones
Pregnanes (Cortisol, Progesterone)
Androstanes (Testosterone)
Estranes (Estradiol)
What types of hormones are derived from cholesterol?
Steroids
What type of hormone are estradiol, tesosterone, and cortisol?
Steroids
Describe peptide hormones
Made from larger pro-hormones
Released into blood or stored in granules in producing cell
Bound to carrier protein in plasma to prevent proteolysis
Give examples of peptide hormones
Insulin
Glucagon
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Human Growth hormone (HGH)
What type of hormone are insulin, glucagon, PTH, and HGH?
Peptides
Describe glycoprotein hormones
2 alpha and 2 beta chains (alpha chains identical in all)
Water soluble, no carrier protein required
Short half life
Give examples of glycoprotein hormones
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
What type of hormone are FSH, LH, TSH, and hCG?
Glycoproteins
Describe the polypeptide units in glycoprotein hormones
2 alpha and 2 beta
2 alpha the same in all hormones
2 beta chains differ between hormones, dictate functional properties and antigenicity
Give an example of how immunoassays might work against glycoprotein hormones
hCG immunoassays target the specific beta subunit in the hormone
Describe amine hormones
Derived from decarboxylated amino acids
Some circulate bound to carrier proteins to prevent filtration by kidneys due to their small size
Give examples of amine hormones
Epinerphrine, norepinephrine (circulate free, short lived)
Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3
circulate bound, long lasting)
What type of hormone are T3, T4, epinephrine, and norepinephrine?
Amines
Describe eicosanoids
Derived from arachidonic acid (fatty acid)
Give examples of eicosanoid hormones
Prostaglandins
Leukotrienes
What kind of hormone are prostaglandins and leukotrienes?
Eicosanoids
Why are sensitive methods needed to measure hormones?
They have very low levels in the blood
How do hormones affect cells with receptors outside the cell?
First messengers bind and activate receptors causing an increase or decrease in the synthesis of the second messenger in the cell which activates the desired metabolic process
What hormones act as first messengers?
Lipid insoluble amine hormones (most) and peptide hormones
How do hormones affect cells with receptors inside the cell?
Hormones release from their carrier proteins and diffuse into the cell and bind with receptors
The complex then binds to a hormone responsive element in the DNA
What hormones can diffuse into cells to activate receptors?
Fat soluble hydrophobic steroids and thyroid hormones
What 3 ways can hormone release be controlled?
Humoral
Nervous
Hormonal
Describe humoral hormone control
Release controlled by concentration of a substance in the blood
Give an example of humoral hormone control
Blood glucose levels influence secretion of glucagon and insulin
Blood calcium levels affect parathyroid for PTH release
Describe nervous hormone control
Nerves stimulate release
Give an example of nervous hormone control
Neurons stimulate release of epinephrine from adrenal glands
Describe hormonal hormone control
Release controlled by other hormones
Give an example of hormonal hormone control
Hormones from the hypothalamus stimulate the pituitary to release other hormones
What 3 factors affect the amount of hormone that reaches the target cells?
Rate of production
Rate of delivery (blood flow)
Rate of degradation/elimination
Describe the difference between shutting off a hormone with a short vs long half life
Short half life = blood level decreases rapidly
Long half life = blood level may persists for some time
Glucose influencing the release of glucagon and insulin is what type of hormone control?
Humoral
Neurons stimulating the release of oxytocin from the pituitary is what type of hormone control?
Nervous
Hypothalamus hormones stimulating hormone release from the pituitary is what type of hormone control?
Hormonal
How does a negative feedback loop work?
The products of the pathway inhibit the reaction that formed them
How are hormone levels usually controlled?
Negative feedback loops
Give an example of a negative feedback loop
T3/T4 regulation
When T3/T4 drops below the threshold neurons in the hypothalamus secrete TRH
TRH stimulates the pituitary to secrete TSH
TSH binds to the thyroid to stimulate production of T3/T4
T3/T4 levels rising inhibits release of TRH
What does the hypothalamus do?
Secretes hormones to stimulate or suppress the release of hormones from the pitutary
What does the pineal body do?
Produces melatonin
What does the pituitary gland do?
Releases hormones to control many functions of other endocrine glands
What does the thyroid do?
Hormones play a role in body metabolism and calcium balance
What do the parathyroid glands do?
Regulate calcium balance via PTH
What does the thymus do?
Produces t-lymphocytes
What do the adrenal glands do?
Work with the hypothalmus and pituitary gland
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Source, target, function
Hypothalamus, stored and released by posterior pituitary
Kidney
Water resorption
Oxytocin
Source, target, function
Hypothalamus, stored and released by posterior pituitary
Uterus and breasts
Contraction and milk release
Where do releasing factors come from and what do they act on
Hypothalamus, anterior pituitary
Stimulate release of corresponding hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
Adrenal cortex
Secretion of adrenal hormones
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
Ovaries and tests
Growth of follicles / seminiferous tubules
Luteinizing hormone (LH) Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
Ovaries and testes
Production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
Prolactin (PRL)
Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
Ovaries and breasts
Milk production and secretion of estrogen and progesterone from ovaries
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
Thyroid
Stimulate secretion of thyroid hormones
Growth Hormone (GH) / Somatotropin Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
General
Bone and tissue growth
Release of insulin-like growth factor
Lipotropin (LPH)
Source, target, function
Anterior pituitary
Adipocytes
Fatty acid release
Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4)
Source, target, function
Thyroid
General
Metabolism, growth, development
Calcitonin
Source, target, function
Thyroid
Osteoclasts
Inhibits bone resorption
Lowers blood calcium
Raises blood phosphorus
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Source, target, function
Parathyroids
Osteoclasts, kidneys, intestines
Stimulates bone resorption
Raises blood calcium
Lowers blood phosphorus
Aldosterone
Source, target, function
Adrenal cortex
Kidneys
Sodium resorption
Cortisol
Source, target, function
Adrenal cortex
Muscles, liver, general
Protein and carbohydrate metabolism
Raises blood glucose
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Source, target, function
Adrenal cortex
Uterus, general
Contractions
Stimulate sex drive
Epinephrine
Source, target, function
Adrenal medulla
Muscle, liver, heart
Raises metabolic rate
Increases blood glucose
Increases heart rate
Nor-epinephrine
Source, target, function
Adrenal medulla
Arterioles, live, heart
Vasoconstrictor
Lipid metabolism
Melatonin
Source, target, function
Pineal gland
Gonads, pigment cells
Regulates biorhythms
Glucagon
Source, target, function
Pancreatic alpha cells
Liver, adipocytes
Raises blood glucose
Insulin
Source, target, function
Pancreatic beta cells
Liver, adipocytes, general
Lowers blood glucose
Estrogens (estradiol, estrone)
Source, target, function
Ovaries
Uterus, general
Develop and maintain female characteristics
Progesterone
Source, target, function
Ovaries
Uterus, general
Develop uterine lining
Testosterone
Source, target, function
Testes
General, reproductive organs
Develop and maintain male characterisitics, spermatogenesis
Relaxin
Source, target, function
Ovaries and placenta
Pelvic ligaments
Relaxes pelvic ligaments
Inhibin
Source, target, function
Testes
Anterior pituitary
Inhibits release of FSH
Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Source, target, function
Placenta
Anterior pituitary
Release of FSH and LH
Gastrin
Source, target, function
Stomach antrum
Stomach
HCl and pepsin secretion
Pancreatic secretions
Secretin
Source, target, function
Duodenal mucosa
Pancreas
Secretion of pancreatic juices
Cholecystokinin
Source, target, function
Duodenal mucosa
Gallbladder
Release of bile
Calcitriol (Vitamin D3)
Source, target, function
Diet, skin, liver, kidneys
Kidneys, bone, intestines
Raises blood calcium and phosphorus
What are the 2 hormone producing cell in the thyroid?
- Follicular cells
2. Perifollicular “C” cells
What do follicular thyroid cells do?
Produce T3 and T4
What do perifollicular “C” cells in the thyroid do?
Produce calcitonin
What element is required for T3/T4 formation?
Iodine
Describe how T3/T4 are formed in the thyroid
- Follicular cells synthesize thyroglobulin
- Iodine is absorbed and oxidized
- Iodine attaches to thyroglobulin creating MIT or DIT
- MIT+DIT = T3 or DIT+DIT = T4
What two products are created when iodine combines with thyroglobulin?
MIT = Monoiodotyrosine DIT = Diiodotyrosine
What are the 2 possible end products in T3/T4 formation?
DIT+MIT = Triiodothyronine (T3)
DIT + DIT = tetraiodothyronine/thyroxine (T4)
How does T3/T4 travel in the blood?
Almost all bound to plasma proteins (mostly TBG - thyroid binding globulin), saturated about 30%
T4 50x more than T3
What is free T3/free T4
Active, unbound hormone that can bind with and enter cells
What happens to thyroid hormones at the target cells?
Hormones release from their carriers and bind to cells
About 80% of T4 is converted to T3
FT3 4x as potent, not bound as tightly
How is T3/T4 production regulated?
Negative feedback loop
TRH is produced in the hypothalamus when T3/T4 is low
TRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to release TSH
TSH stimulates thyroid iodine uptake to form T3/T4
Increased T3/T4 levels inhibit release of TRH and TSH
What is the screening test for thyroid function?
TSH
What tests are added is TSH levels are abnormal?
T3/T4
When would T4 become the frontline thyroid screening test?
If pituitary function is abnormal (abnormal TSH secretion)
What effect does T3/T4 have on cells?
Stimulates glucose oxidation (increased metabolic rate)
Regulates growth and development
Maintains blood pressure
How does the lab test for TSH work?
Two step immunoassay
- Extraction: solid phase beta specific antibody bind TSH by the beta chains
- Labelling: labelled alpha specific antibody added to bind TSH by alpha chains
Label directly proportional with TSH concentration
Which antibody in the TSH test gives specificity? Sensitivity?
Anti-beta gives specificity (specific for TSH)
Anti-alpha gives sensitivity
How are free T3/T4 measured?
Extraction: solid phase antibody binds T3/T4
Serum removed
Labelled thyroid hormone added to bind free antibodies
Label inversely related to T4 concentration
Define hyperthyroid
High levels of circulating T3/T4
Define hypothyroid
Low levels of circulating T3/T4
What “primary thyroid disorder” mean?
Disorder of the thyroid gland itself
Thyroid over/under producing on its own accord
What does “secondary thyroid disorder” mean?
Disorder with the glands that control the thyroid (pituitary / hypothalamus)
Glands telling thyroid to over/under produce
What will TSH and T3/T4 levels be in:
Primary hyperthyroid?
TSH: decreased
T3/T4: increased
What will TSH and T3/T4 levels be in:
Primary hypothyroid?
TSH: increased
T3/T4: decreased
What will TSH and T3/T4 levels be in:
Secondary hyperthyroid?
TSH: increased
T3/T4: increased
What will TSH and T3/T4 levels be in:
Secondary hypothyroid?
TSH: decreased
T3/T4: decreased
What is thyrotoxicosis?
Primary hyperthyroidism with severely increased T3/T4
What are general symptoms of hyperthryroid?
Nervous Weight loss with same intake Diarrhea Hot Irritable Goiter
What is Grave’s disease?
Autoimmune form of hyperthyroid
What causes Grave’s disease?
Antibody against TSH receptors on thyroid
Binding to thyroid TSH receptors to stimulate T3/T4 production
What are the lab findings in Grave’s disease?
TSH: low
T3/T4: high
Positive for thyroid antibodies (likely TRAb)
What is a thyroid storm?
Life threatening uncontrolled hyperthroid
Usually occurs when hyperthyroid person is suddenly stressed
What is secondary hyperthyroidism?
Overproduction of T3/T4 due to over stimulation of thyroid because of hypothalamus or pituitary
Overproduction of TRH and/or TSH
What are lab results of secondary hyperthyroid?
TSH: high
T3/T4: high
What are general symptoms of hypothyroid?
Cold
Tired
Weight gain
Constipation
What might cause hypothyroid?
Removal of all or part of thyroid Overdoes of antithyroid medicine Thyroid atrophy Thyroid antibodies Inability of pituitary to produce TSH (secondary)
What might cause hyperthyroid?
Tumors
Nodules
Inflammation
Antibodies
What is primary hypothyroid?
Decreased production of T3/T4 despite increased TSH
What is secondary hypothyroid?
Failure of thyroid gland due to inadequate TSH
Primary pituitary failure or hypothalamic dysfunction (tertiary hypothyroid)
What might cause pituitary failure?
Tumors
Head trauma
Radiation
Idiopathic
What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Inflammation of the thyroid due to anti-thyroid antibodies
What are lab findings in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
TSH: high
T3/T4: low
Thyroid antibodies, likely anti-TPO
What are some pituitary gland disorders?
Acromegaly Cushing's Disease Amenorrhea/Galactorrhea Syndrome Hypogandism Hypothyroidism
What are some disorders of the adrenal glands?
Addison's Disease Conn's Syndrome Cushing's Syndrome Drug-related temporary adrenal insufficiency Pheochromocytoma
What are some disorders of the parathyroid gland?
Hyperparathyroidism (Hypercalcemia)
Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency (Hypoparathyroidism)
What is acromegaly?
Enlargement of body tissues
What causes acromegaly?
Over secretion of growth hormone and insulin like growth hormone
What are lab results in acromegaly?
GH: high
IGF: high
MRI, thyroid tests
What is Cushing’s Disease?
Redistribution of fat to face an trunk, rapid protein breakdown
What are lab results in Cushing’s Disease?
ACTH: high
Prolactin, 24 hour urine free cortisol
What is amenorrhea/galactorrhea syndrome?
Stop of menstruaton or production of milk not related to birth
What are lab results in amenorrhea/galactorrhea syndrome?
Prolactin: high
What is hypogonadism?
Delayed sexual maturation, or loss of libido, or loss of ovary/testes function
What causes hypogonadism?
Underproduction of FSH and/or LH
What are lab results in hypogonadism?
Low FSH and/or LH
What causes amenorrhea/galactorrhea syndrome?
Over secretion of prolactin
What causes Cushing’s Disease?
Over secretion of ACTH by benign pituitary tumor Sometimes adrenal tumor or cancer
What is Addison’s Disease?
Under activity of adrenal glands causing gastro symptoms and problems coming with stresses like infection
What causes Addison’s Disease?
Usually autoimmune destruction of adrenal glands
What are lab tests in Addison’s Disease?
Cortisol
ACTH
What is Conn’s Syndrome?
Primary hyperaldosteronism causing high blood pressure, low potassium
Disruption of muscle function
What causes Conn’s Syndrome?
Usually small adrenal gland tumors that produce too much aldosterone
What are lab tests in Conn’s Syndrome?
Aldosterone
Potassium
Sodium
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Similar to Cushing’s Disease
(Redistribution of fat to face an trunk, rapid protein breakdown)
Over secretion of cortisol
What causes Cushing’s Syndrome?
Usually due to benign adrenal tumor
What are lab tests in Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cortisol: high
24 hour urine cortisol
What is drug-related temporary adrenal insufficiency?
Under activity of adrenals due to chronic suppression of ACTH production due to sudden cessation of steroid drugs (may cause Addison’s disease or atrophy)
What causes drug-related temporary adrenal insufficiency?
Sudden cessation of long term use of steroid medication for other conditions
What are lab test for drug-related temporary adrenal insufficiency?
Cortisol
ACTH
What is Pheochromocytoma?
High blood pressue Headaches Palpitations Sweating "Sense of doom"
What causes Pheochromocytoma?
Adrenal gland tumor causes release of excessive epinephrine and nor-epinephrine
What are lab tests for Pheochromocytoma?
Epinephrine
Nor-epinephrine
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Overproduction of parathyroid hormone causing high blood calcium levels, kidney stones
What causes hyperparathyroidism?
Usually single benign tumor
What are lab test for hyperparathyroidism?
Calcium
Phosphate
PTH
24 hour urine calcium
What is hypoparathyroidism?
Low levels of blood calcium cause muscle spasm, seizures, thin bones
What causes hypoparathyroidism?
Occasionally after thyroid or parathyroid surgery, autoimmune
What are tests for hypoparathyroidism?
Calcium
Phorphorus
Calcitonin
Vitamin D
Define endocrine hormones including function and duration
Chemicals secreted into extracellular fluids to regulate metabolic functions of other cells and maintain homeostasis
Tend to have prolonged effects
List the 3 main classes of endocrine hormones including sub-classes
Steroids (Pregnanes, androstanes, estranes)
Amino Acid Based (peptides, glycoproteins, amines)
Eicosanoids
List the four glycoprotein hormones and state which structure is common for all, and which is specific
TSH, FSH, LH, hCG
Common: alpha chains
Specific: beta chains
List examples of amine hormones
T3 / triiodo
T4 / thyroxine
Epinephrine
Nor-epinephrine
List examples of amine hormones
T3 / triiodothyronine
T4 / thyroxine
Epinephrine
Nor-epinephrine
State the reasons why certain classes of hormones must circulate bound to carrier proteins
Steroids - to allow greater blood concentration
Peptides - to avoid proteolysis
Amines - to avoid kidney filtration
Give a common example of a secondary messenger
cAMP
State the two mechanisms hormones use to alter target cell activity, and state the classes of hormones that use each mechanism
Bind to receptors on cell membrane
Amines and peptides
Diffuse into cells and bind to HRE’s on DNA
Steroid and thyroid hormones
List the three types of control for the release of hormones, and give an example of each
- Humoral (concentration of substance in blood)
ex: glucose causes release of insulin - Nervous
ex: hypothalamus nerves stimulate pituitary - Hormonal
ex: TSH from pituitary stimulates T3/T4 release from thyroid
Name the DNA associated receptor used in direct gene activation
Hormone responsive elements
List the three types of control for the release of hormones, and give an example of each
- Humoral (concentration of substance in blood)
ex: glucose causes release of insulin - Nervous
ex: neurons stimulate adrenals to release epinephrine - Hormonal
ex: TSH from pituitary stimulates T3/T4 release from thyroid
Define negative feedback
The products of the system inhibit the pathway that formed them
TRUE OR FALSE
Endorcine hormones are secreted directly into the blood?
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Hormones regulate many metabolic reactions and function but not the immune system
False
It can regulate the immune system
TRUE OR FALSE
Cholesterol provides the structural baises for the formation of preganes, androstanes, and estranes
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Decarboxylation of amino acid may produce amine hormones like epinephrne
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Hormone responsive elements are components of the mitochondrial membrane in all target cells
False
Part of the DNA
TRUE OR FALSE
T4 s produced by combining two molecules of DIT
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Exocrine hormones are secreted into the lymphatic system
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Insulin is classified as a peptide hormone
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Exocrine hormones are secreted into the lymphatic system
False
Into ducts
TRUE OR FALSE
Insulin raises blood glucose levels by stimulating lipogenesis
False
Insulin lowers blood glucose levels
TRUE OR FALSE
Luteinizing hormone induces production of progesterone or testosterone
True
Mostly estrogens and progesterone in females
Testosteron in men
TRUE OR FALSE
Acromegaly is caused by over-secretion of hGH in adults
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Parathormone induces bone resporptions
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Prostaglandins are produced from aracidonic acid
True
TRUE OR FALSE
IGF-1 acts upon its secretory cells, cells close to its secretory cells, and upon cells far removed from its secretory cells
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Plasma proteins that bind to hormones increase their time and concentration in circulation
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Second messengers are usually derived from carotene
False
Second messengers like AMP are derived from ATP
TRUE OR FALSE
hGH is a general anabolic stimulant
True
Anabolic meaning building or growth
TRUE OR FALSE
IGF-1 acts upon its secretory cells, cells close to its secretory cells, and upon cells far removed from its secretory cells
True
Release induced by hGH
TRUE OR FALSE
Estriol is a type of pregnane
False
Estrane
TRUE OR FALSE
Cortisol raises blood glucose and increased protein synthesis
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Pheochromocytoma is causes by an adrenal gland tumor and over-production of epinephrine
False
Over-secretion of ACTH by a pituitary tumor
TRUE OR FALSE
Conn’s Syndrome is due to adrenal gland tumors and over production of aldosterone
True
TRUE OR FALSE
TRF is the same thing as TRH
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Pregnenolone is a product of cholesterol and a precursor of pregnanes, estranes, and androstranes
True
TRUE OR FALSE
PTH is a steroid
False
Peptide hormone
TRUE OR FALSE
Aldosterone affects sodium resorption in the kidneys
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Amine and peptide hormones bind with receptors in the DNA of the target cells
False
Bind with receptors on the outside of the cell
Lipid soluble and thyroid hormones bind with the DNA
TRUE OR FALSE
When the product of a reaction inhibits its own formation it is demonstrating first order kinetics
False
Negative feedback inhibition
TRUE OR FALSE
ADH decreased water resorption by the kidneys
False
Increases water resporption
TRUE OR FALSE
Paracrines and autocrines are also called local hormones
True
TRUE OR FALSE
Addison’s Disease is caused by autoimmune damage to the thyroid
False
Caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenals