Neurohormones Flashcards
How are neurohormones released?
β DIrectly in the blood circulation
What is point to point communication like?
β Fast and restricted
What are the secretory hypothalamus neurons like?
β Slow but widespread
What are networks of interconnected neurons of the autonomic nervous system like?
β Fast
β widespread influence
What are diffuse modulatory systems like?
β Slower and widespread
What are the 4 characteristics of the endocrine system?
β Mediators travel within blood vessels
β utilises chemical mediators
β slow communication
β long lasting effects
What are the 4 characteristics of the nervous system?
β Signalling along nerve fibres
β Transmission of electrical impulses
β fast communication
βeffects are short acting
What are neurohormones produced by?
β specialised nerve cells called neurosecretory cells
What can neurohormones act like?
β Neurotransmitters
β autocrine or paracrine messengers
What are the 3 types of hormones?
β Protein and peptide
β amino acid derivatives
β steroid hormones
What are the 4 features of protein and peptide hormones?
β Vary considerably in size
β Can be synthesised as large precursors prior to secretion
β post translationally modified
β can have multiple subunits synthesized independently and assembled
What are 2 features of amino acid derivative neurohormones?
β Mostly tyrosine derived
β Neurotransmitter that can also act as a hormon
What are 3 examples of amino acid derivative neurohormones?
β adrenaline
β noradrenaline
β dopamine
Where are steroid hormones derived from?
β Class of lipids derived from cholesterol
What are 5 examples of steroid neurohormones?
β Cortisol β Aldosterone β testosterone β progesterone β estradiol
What is the base of the brain called?
β Hypothalamus
What is the hypothalamus connected to?
β pituitary
Where do magnocellular neurons project to?
β posterior pituitary
What hormones are secreted from the posterior pituitary?
β Vasopressin
β oxytocin
Where are neurohormones released in the anterior pituitary?
β Portal system
What time frame are circadian rhythms?
β 24 hour cycle
What time frame are pulsatile rhythms?
β less than 24 hours
What time frame are infradian rhythms?
β longer than 24 hours
What is an example of hormones that follow the circadian cycle?
β Cortisol
β GH
β PRL
What is an example of a hormone that follows pulsatile cycles?
β Gonadotrophins
What is an example of an infradian rhythm?
β Menstrual cycle