Pharmacology Flashcards
Precursor of all steroids?
Cholesterol
Where are the steroid receptors located? How do they produce effects?
Cytoplasm of cells - act as gene transcription factor
Where is oestrogen produced, what stimulates production?
Produced in ovarian follicles stimulated by FSH and LH
Where is oestrogen produced, what stimulates production?
Produced in ovarian follicles stimulated by FSH and LH
Main enzyme involved in oestrogen synthesis?
17β-oestradiol
Actions of oestrogen
Development of secondary sexual characteristics
Positive effect on the ovulatory cycle (low blood conc)
Progesterone actions?
Negative feedback on FSH and LH
Prepares endometrium for implantation by thickening cervical mucus, suppresses lactation and inhibits uterine contractility (pregnancy hormone)
Mechanism of the combined oral contraceptive pill?
Suppresses LH and FSH
Prevents ovulatory surge of LH
Thickens cervical mucus
Progestin only contraceptive S/E?
Ectopics, menorrhoea (breakthrough bleeding)
Non-contraceptive uses of progestin?
HRT
Dysmenorrhoea/menorrhoea
Abortion (morning-after)
Growth of 60% of breast tumours driven by what?
Oestrogen
Common treatments for oestrogen driven breast cancer? Examples?
Aromatase inhibitors (Reduce oestrogen synthesis)
Irreversible: Exemestane
Reversible: anastrazole
Anti-oestrogens (ER antagonist): Tamoxifen
S/Es of Aromatase inhibitors?
osteoporosis
What cells mainly produce testosterone, where?
Leydig cells in testes (also in adrenals)
Testosterone functions?
Primary and secondary sexual characteristic development
Spermatogenesis
Increased bone and lean muscle mass
Aggression, libido
Anti-androgen uses? examples?
Used in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
Finasteride, Flutamide
Anabolic steroids actions?
Increase lean muscle mass, accelerate recovery from injury
What are anabolic steroids?
testosterone derivatives e.g. nandrolone
What are anabolic steroids?
testosterone derivatives e.g. nandrolone
What do combined hormonal methods include in them?
Combination of synthetic oestrogen and progesterone
Effects of combined hormonal methods?
Reduced contractions and frequency of cilia beat in the fallopian tube
Ovary: Progestin inhibits LH surge and inhibits FSH release
Cervix: progestin produces a thick mucus plug
Thick mucus in endometrium
What is Ethinylestradiol, and oestradiol valerate
Ethinylestradiol - synthetic oestrogen
oestradiol valerate - prodrug metabolised to oestrogen
What are synthetic progesterones called?
Progestins
What receptor to progestins bind to?
Progesterone receptors (induce thick mucus and create mucus plug) - good effect
Others include: GnRHR, Androgen Receptors, Oestrogen Receptors, Glucocorticoid Receptors, Mineralocorticoid receptors
Difference in mono/bi/triphasic preperation of the Combined oral contraceptive pill?
Monophasic - steady levels of bothe oestrogen and progestins
Biphasic and triphasic have constant oestrogen levels and increase the progestin component once (biphasic) and twice (triphasic)
Other combined hormonal methods that are not pill-based?
Combined transdermal patch
Combined vaginal ring
S/E associated with combined contraceptive methods?
Increased anti-clotting factors and decreased anti-thrombin can lead to venous thrombosis/MI/stroke
Nausea/mood changes
Hypertension (water/sodium retention)
Androgenic effects (Oily skin/acne/weight gain)
Rare increased risk of breast cancer
What do single contraceptice methods contain?
Progestin only
Examples of single hormonal methods?
Progestin only pill
Subdermal implant
Injectables
Intra-uterine coils
Contraceptive effects of single hormonal methods?
Fallopian tubes: reduced cilia bet frequency and contractions
Inhibits GnRH release and LH surge
Cervix: thick mucus plug
Endometrium: thick mucus induction
Benefits to single hormonal contraceptive methods?
No effect on thromboembolism and blood clotting
No increased risk of cancer
Return to fertility more rapid
Good tolerance
S/E’s of single hormonal methods?
Altered menstrual pattern
Nausea/mood changes
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Mechanism of action of the copper IUD?
Inhibits fertilisation as copper is toxic to sperm and Oocytes
Endometrial inflammation has anti-implantation effects
Inhibit sperm penetration
Reasons the copper IUD could be contra-indicated?
UKMEC3:
Examples of barrier methods to contraception?
Male condoms
Female condoms
Diaphragms
Cervical cap
Dams