Introduction to Endocrine Flashcards
Vitamin D and the thyroid hormones bind to what type of receptor?
Intracellular receptor - same as steroid.
Actions of Insulin:
• Increases glucose uptake into fat and muscle • Stimulates glycogen synthesis • Stimulates storage of triglyceride in adipose tissue • Increases protein synthesis • Decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis
How does hypoglycemia present?
• Sympathetic response (sweating,
tachycardia, hunger).
• Confusion and coma as brain starved of
glucose. Dizziness and syncope.
Thyrotoxicosis aka…
Grave’s disease.
Outline graves disease.
Excess production thyroxine.
• Often autoimmune activation of thyroid.
How does Grave’s disease present?
- Tachycardia, palpitations
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Tremor
What is the basic function of the thyroid hormones?
Increase in basal metabolic rate and increased respnse to catecholamines.
How does hypothyroidism present?
- Dry Skin
- Cold
- Slow reflexes
- Slow pulse
- Thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) low
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) high
What does excess aldosterone lead to?
Conn’s syndrome - hypertension and low potassium.
Overproduction of ACTH from the ant. pituitary or excess cortisol produced from the adrenal glands leads to what condition?
Cushing’s syndrome
How does Cushing’s syndrome present?
• Typically causes central obesity
• Associated with diabetes and hypertension
• Suspect if proximal muscle weakness, thin skin, striae,
fractures, typical appearance.
Outline Addison’s disease:
- Most commonly due to autoimmune destruction of adrenal gland.
- Presents with weight loss, dizzy spells/ collapse, hyperpigmentation.
How does Addisonian crisis/hypocortisolism present?
• Collapse • Low blood pressure • Low blood sugar • Confusion, psychosis • Severe lethargy • Vomiting, diarrhoea • Convulsions - can be fatal.
What hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary?
ADH
Oxytocin
How do prolactinomas present?
- Typically present with galactorrhea
- Headaches
- Visual Field Defects (bitemporal hemianopia)
