Physio Endocrinology Flashcards
Gonadotrophs
Type of cell in the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) that produces LH and FSH which regulate secretion of gonadal hormones from testes and ovaries.
Corticotrophs
Type of cell in the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) that produces ACTH which regulates adrenal cortex hormone production.
Somatotrophs
Type of cell in the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) that produces GH/somatotrophin which regulates cartilage and bone growth.
Lactotrophs
Type of cell in the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) that produces prolactin which induces lactation.
Thyrotrophs
Cells In the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) that secretes TSH which regulate the function of thyroid hormones
Cushing’s syndrome; cause and patient classifications
Hypercortisolism; high levels of glucocorticoid (cortisol) hormone in blood.
Cause: tumor in pituitary gland (pituitary adenoma)
Or an ectopic ACTH-secreting tumor in lungs, pancreas, thyroid, etc.
Excess weight around midsection, upper back, moon face, buffalo hump, pink/purple stretch marks, depression, acne, fragile skin
Women: facial hair, irregular or absent menstrual cycles
Long term: osteoporosis
Cretinism
Thyroid hormone deficiency = stunted mental and physical growth.
Newborns via maternal hypothyroidism
Primary Hypothyroidism
Disease of the thyroid.
Low levels of T3/T4, high levels of TSH (groiter)
Secondary Hypothyroidism
Disease of the pituitary gland.
Low levels of T3/T4, low levels of TSH = no groiter
Tertiary Hypothyroidism
Disease of the hypothalamus.
Low levels of T3/T4, low TRH, low TSH
Graves’ Disease
Most common cause of hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disease where Ab are produced against TSHR (thyroid stimulating hormone receptors) on thyroid gland cells.
Goiter, overproduction of T3/T4 resulting in inhibition of TSH via feedback mechanism.
Symptoms: weight loss, increased perspiration, anxiety, tremor, rapid HR
Blood Tests: elevated T3/T4, low TSH, Ab against TSHR
Hashimotos Hypothyroidism
Most common cause of hypothyroidism in U.S.
Autoimmune disorder where thyroid gland is attacked causing inflammation of thyroid gland = less T3/T4, High lymphocyte production producing Ab against thyroid cells. May be asymptomatic. Others thyroid may be enlarged.
Symptoms: weight gain, joint muscle pain, irregular menstrual flows, etc.
Blood Tests: low T3/T4, high TSH, presence of autoAb, lymphocyte accumulation in thyroid gland
Acromegaly
Hormonal disorder where Too much pituitary GH or liver IGF-1 produced during adulthood.
Symptoms: bones increase in size, enlarged facial features, enlarged tongue, deepened voice, excessive sweating, enlarged hands and feet
Causes:
Pituitary Tumors - excessive GH
Non-pituitary Tumors -
Dysmenorrhea
Primary- related to menstruation itself (estradiol)
Cause: prostaglandins
Secondary- triggered by endometriosis/uterine fibroids
Menorrhagia
Prolonged menstrual periods
Causes: hormonal imbalance, anovulation, uterine conditions, bleeding disorders (hemorrhage, Vit K def)
