Topic Two: Endocrine Function - Pituitary Gland Disorders Flashcards
Where are most hormonal endocrine processes regulated?
Hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Hypothalamic control begins with the secretion of hormones that directly target organs. What does the hypothalamus produce and how is it transported?
Two hormones
Transported along neurons to the posterior pituitary gland before being released into the blood stream.
- Oxytocin (OXT) for uterine contractions
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) for water retention and blood volume
The second stage of hypothalamic control = the release of regulatory hormones that control secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland, how does this occur?
- Neuroendocrine cells in the hypothalamus secrete hormones that stimulate endocrine cells in the pituitary to secrete trophic hormones.
- These travel to target glands to stimulate hormone release
- Hormones exert an action on the tissues and causing physiological effect
Mention some regulatory hormones that are produced in the hypothalamus and control release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland.
- Prolactin (releasing hormone)
- Prolactin (inhibiting hormone)
Briefly mention communication between the hypothalamus and the adrenal gland.
Autonomic neurons project from the hypothalamus to the adrenal gland
Sympathetic nervous system activation stimulates the release of hormones from the adrenal gland
Hormones such as
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
How does endocrine regulation occur?
By physiological stimuli or by feedback loops that depend on the circulating concentration of the hormones themselves
How is endocrine dysfunction classified?
It reflects ‘hyper-‘ (too much) or ;hypo-‘ (too little) function of endocrine signalling
Endocrine dysfunction occurs because?
Direct dysfunction of the endocrine process
OR
Dysfunctional regulation of the process
When effecting the endocrine gland itself - hypofunction can arise due to?
- Absence or impaired development of gland (congenital defects)
- Absence or dysfunction of an enzyme needed for hormone synthesis or release
- Gland destruction or atrophy - from blood flow disruption, infection or inflammation, autoimmune diseases, neoplastic growth
When effecting the endocrine gland itself - hyperfunction can arise due to?
- Overdevelopment of the gland (congenital defects)
- Over production or hyperfunction of an enzyme needed for hormone synthesis or release
- Para neoplasia: Hormone producing tumour of gland.
Regarding hormone circulation HYPOfunction can arise due to?
Hormone destroyed by circulating antibodies
Absence or dysfunction of a carrier protein.
Overactivity of metabolic clearance of hormone.
Regarding hormone circulation HYPERfunction can arise due to?
Hyperfunction can arise due to:
Underactivity of metabolic clearance
Dysfunction of a carrier protein (promoting too much release of free hormone).
Regarding regulation, hyppfunction can arise due to?
Hypofunction can arise due to:
Increased production of a regulating hormone or increased presence of a regulating substrate.
Increased negative receptor expression on endocrine cells or reduced positive receptor expression.
Increase endocrine cell responsiveness to negative regulatory signalling.
HYPERfunciton can arise due to the opposite of the above.
What is hyperpituitarism?
Most commonly due to pituitary tumour (adenoma)
These are usually benign and usually of one type of pituitary cell only.
Hyperpituitarism has characterised high levels of what hormones?
Thyrotrophs Corticotrophs Somatotrophs Gonadotrophs Lactotrophs
What is hyperpituitarism?
Most commonly due to pituitary tumour (adenoma)
These are usually benign and usually of one type of pituitary cell only.
Hyperpituitarism has characterised high levels of what hormones?
Thyrotrophs Corticotrophs Somatotrophs Gonadotrophs Lactotrophs
What are some of the symptoms for hyperpituitarism?
Vision problems (due to pressure on optic nerve) Headaches Symptoms of hypopituitarism if tumour ends up damaging the other functioning tissue