Introduction/Review

Question 1

What 7 types of molecules can be hormones?

Answer 1

1. Peptides
2. Amino acid analogs
3. Steroids
4. Fatty acids
5. Eicosanoids
6. Oncogene products
7. Vitamins

Question 2

What are some examples of organs which have endocrine function?

Answer 2

Hypothalamus, pituitary, kidneys, heart, pancreas, liver, thyroid, gonads, adipose tissue, gut, etc.

Question 3

What is the difference between autocrine and juxtacrine signalling?

Answer 3

Autocrine: Cell secretes hormones which can also self-regulate
Juxtacrine: Cell releases hormone to another cell it is in contact with

Question 4

What is occurring when a hormone is acting as an agonist?

Answer 4

Hormone is eliciting a biological response.

Question 5

What is occurring when a hormone is acting as an antagonist?

Answer 5

Hormone is blocking a biological response at the receptor.

Question 6

What is occurring when a hormone is acting as a partial agonist/partial antagonist?

Answer 6

Hormone is acting as either an agonist or an antagonist but with only half the strength of the normal agonist/antagonist.

Question 7

What is occurring when a hormone is acting as a mixed agonist-antagonist?

Answer 7

Hormone can act as an agonist or an antagonist depending on the tissue or cell type (has the capacity to be either).

Question 8

What is tamoxifen?

Answer 8

A synthetic hormone which acts as an antagonist.

Question 9

What is prednisone?

Answer 9

A synthetic hormone which acts as a potent agonist.

Question 10

In what 4 main ways can hormones be classified?

Answer 10

1. Structure
2. Receptor location
3. Intracellular messengers
4. Solubility

Question 11

What is a blood binding protein?

Answer 11

A plasma protein which can bind hydrophobic molecules (ex: steroids) and transport them through the bloodstream.

Question 12

IGF-1 receptors are found on all tissues except _____.

Answer 12

Liver and adipose tissue.

Question 13

Where in the body is the majority of IGF-1 produced? Where else can it be produced?

Answer 13

Majority is produced in the liver. Bone, adipose tissue, kidneys, muscles, etc. also produce a small amount of IGF-1.

Question 14

Which would have greater binding affinity, a receptor or a blood binding protein?

Answer 14

Receptor.

Question 15

Which would have a higher degree of binding specificity, a receptor or a blood binding protein?

Answer 15

Receptor.

Question 16

Which one would have higher concentration in the body, receptors or blood binding protein?

Answer 16

Blood binding protein.