L2- Basics part 2 Flashcards
Amine hormones are derived from what precursor?
Amino acids:
Catecholamines: from single tyrosine
Indoleamines: from single tryptophan
Thyroid hormone: from 2 tyrosines
Most hormones are of what type (structurally)?
Most hormones are peptides or proteins
What is the relative half life of catecholamines and indoleamines?
Very short- these hormones act very fast and are rapidly degraded
How do catecholamines and indoleamines travel in the blood? How do they activate their ligand?
Catecholamines and indoleamines travel freely in the blood. They always bind to a membrane receptor to activate secondary messengers for their effect
Compare the synthesis of catecholamines to the synthesis of indoleamines
Cats: Converted from tyrosine by tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate limiting step)
Indoleamines: converted from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase
Name 3 catecholamines
Dopamine –> norepinephrine –> epinephrine
Which is the active form of dopamine?
L-Dopa
Where in the body is dopamine made?
1) Brain: Substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and the arcuate nucleus
2) Adrenal gland- dopamine is converted to norepinephrine in the adrenal medulla
What is the action of dopamine?
Dopamine inhibits prolactin release from the anterior pituitary
Discuss the timing of tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the arcuate nucleus
Tyrosine hydroxylase is constitutively active and therefore making high concentrations of dopamine in the arcuate nucleus
What enzyme catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine?
Dopamine beta-hydroxylase
What type of neurons release NE?
Sympathetic postganglionic neurons release NE
What is the significance of chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla?
Chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are homologous to post-sympathetic neurons and release hormones into the blood
Name 2 indoleamines
Serotonin
Melatonin
Where is 95% of serotonin, the “happiness hormone” produced?
95% of serotonin is produced by enterochromaffin cells in the gut.
It acts as a vasoconstrictor and stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the intestines
What is the more chemical name for serotonin?
5-hydroxytryptamine
What are SSRIs?
Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors: they block the reabsorption of serotonin back into the presynaptic cleft, which increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft
They are used to treat depression and other mental health disorders
Why do SSRIs lose their efficacy over time?
Downregulation/desensitization of the serotonin receptors
What are the two primary mechanisms of monoamine metabolism?
Deamination and methylation