Pathophysiology of the endocrine system Flashcards
compare signal transduction in nervous system and endocrine system (5 points)
Nervous VS endocrine :
- fast VS slow
- localized + directed VS whole body
- high transmitter concentration VS low
- one target VS multiple targets + different effects
- activation of muscle VS homeostasis
thyroid hormone : type, function, half life
Amicoacid
Regulator of metabolism
Long half life of 7 days
parathyroid hormone : type, function, half life
Peptide
Regulator of calcium homeostasis
Short half life of 5 min
insulin : type, function, half life
Peptide
Regulator of nutrient partitioning (blood glucose regulation)
Half life of 5 min
2 targets of hormones
1) on membrane -> signaling cascade, effect on existing proteins, usually rapid effect
2) In nucleus -> takes longer, modify gene expression to create new proteins
why do the levels of calcium have to stay in a very precise range ? (main reason) What happens if we don’t eat enough calcium ?
Membrane excitability.
PTH will start taking up calcium from our bones
why can PTH be released so quickly ?
Because the hormone is already stored in vesicles in the cell
3 locations where insulin acts, main function
Liver, Muscle, Adipose tissue.
Glucose uptake
Activates glycogen synthesis, stops gluconeogenesis, stimulates protein synthesis, cell cycle activated
Storage of glucose as triglycerides
consequences of hypothyroidism
Less production of mitochondria, decreased sensitivity towards catecholamines, muscular strength reduced, lipid levels elevated
difference between diabetes type I and II
Type I : no insulin production by our body
Type II : resistance of our cells towards insulin
complications of diabetes (acute and chronic)
Unlimited lipolysis
Fluid loss
Microvascular and macrovascular complications.
treatment for the two types of diabetes
I) replacement of insulin
II) weight reduction, increase endogenous insulin production
primary hyperparathyroidism : consequences ?
Elevated calcium levels :
- impairment of neural function
- increased renal excretion of calcium (kidney stones)
- dehydration
- more fragile bone
two ways to treat hormonal diseases
1) replacement of hormone
2) medical or surgical correction of hormone excess
what are 3 common challenges in endocrinology ?
Diseases :
- lead to unspecific symptoms
- are not self limiting
- have to be treated over long periods of time
