Mechanisms of Endocrine Disease

Question 1

hormones of cells produced by endocrine cells enter the bloodstream and act on _____ target cells.

Answer 1

distant

Question 2

describe the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axis

Answer 2

1. neural input
2. hypothalamic neurosecretory cells –> releasing and release-inhibiting hormones (TRH, CRH, GnRH)
3. anterior pituitary gland –> trophic hormones (ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH)
4. target endocrine gland
5. non endocrine target cells

the target gland hormones act on the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus to regulate hormone release as well

Question 3

endocrine glands are particularly prone to what kind of injury? what are 2 examples?

Answer 3

disturbances in growth
1. atrophy (immune-mediated destruction)
2. proliferation (functional and nonfunctional)

Question 4

What are the 7 mechanisms of endocrine disease?

Answer 4

1. hypofunction of an endocrine gland
2. hyperfunction of an endocrine gland
3. hypersecertion of hormones or hormone-like factors by non endocrine tumor
4. dysfunction caused by failure of target cell response
5. hyperactivity caused by diseases in other organs
6. dysfunction due to abnormal hormone degradation
7. iatrogenic hormone excess

Question 5

what are the 2 categories of hypo function of an endocrine gland?

Answer 5

1. primary
2. secondary

Question 6

what is primary hypo function of an endocrine gland?

Answer 6

biochemical defect in synthetic pathway
failure to develop
destruction (immune-mediated, neoplasia)

Question 7

what is secondary hypo function of an endocrine gland?

Answer 7

destructive lesion in one organ leads to hypo function of another
failure of trophic hormone production
usually pituitary lesion (nonfunctional tumor)

Question 8

what are the 2 categories of hyper function of an endocrine gland?

Answer 8

1. primary
2. secondary

Question 9

what is primary hyper function of an endocrine gland?

Answer 9

hyperplastic nodule or neoplasm of endocrine gland
autonomously secrete a hormone in excess of body’s ability to use/degrade

Question 10

what is secondary hyper function of an endocrine gland?

Answer 10

a lesion in one organ results in stimulation and hyper secretion of hormone in target organ
excess production of trophic hormone
pituitary neoplasm (functional)