Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Physiology Final
Physiology Final Part 3
196
Physiology
Undergraduate 2
12/10/2012

Additional Physiology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What is paracrine release?
Definition
Release of a single molecule or hormone within a single tissue (not at a synapse) which acts on other cells within the same tissue
Term
What is autocrine release?
Definition
When a signaling molecule is released by a cell and acts back on the same cell.
Term
What is endocrine release?
Definition
Release of hormones into the blood stream that then acts on faraway targets in the body.
Term
What are the major functions of hormones?
Definition
• Regulate ion/water balance
• Contribute to the response to external stress
• Initiate steps in growth and development
• Regulate process of reproduction
• Regulate the digestion, use and storage of nutrients
• Regulate the release of other hormones
Term
Which gland responds primarily in stress responses?
Definition
The adrenal gland
Term
True or false: The heart can function as an endocrine organ as well as a cardiovascular pump.
Definition
True - the heart has a mixed function as an endocrine organ as well as the pump.
Term
Which organ controls the body rhythms entrained by light stimulation? Also, what is the name of this rhythm cycle?
Definition
The pituitary gland.
The rhythm cycle that it controls is the circadian rhythm.
Term
Which organ controls the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland?
Definition
The hypothalamus releases hormones that stimulate the anterior pituitary.
Term
What are the kinds of hormones released by the hypothalamus?
Definition
Releasing hormones or inhibitory hormones.
Term
What are the hormones which the anterior pituitary releases? What are their functions?
Definition
Thyroid-stimulating hormones - causes the secretion of T3 and T4 from the thyroid.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone - stimulates cortisol secretion from the zona fasiculta and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex
Growth hormone - essential but not solely responsible for growth.
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) - effects the females ovarian follicles… stimulates follicular growth/development + stimulates estrogen secretion.
Term
What are the hormones that the posterior pituitary releases?
Definition
Vasopressin - increases h2o absorption in the kidney tubules (distal tubule)
Oxytocin - increases contractility of the uterus and is the primary hormone involved in the "let down reflex" (milk ejection from the breasts)
Term
What hormone is released from the pineal gland? What does it target and what is its function
Definition
Melatonin --> effects the brain and the anterior pituitary, immune system, possibly others.
Entrains the bodies biological rhythm (circadium rhythms) inhibits gonadotropins, acts as antioxidant and enhances immunity.
Term
What are the hormones which the anterior pituitary releases? What are their functions?
Definition
Thyroid-stimulating hormones - causes the secretion of T3 and T4 from the thyroid.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone - stimulates cortisol secretion from the zona fasiculta and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex
Growth hormone - essential but not solely responsible for growth.
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) - effects the females ovarian follicles… stimulates follicular growth/development + stimulates estrogen secretion.
Term
What are the hormones that the posterior pituitary releases?
Definition
Vasopressin - increases h2o absorption in the kidney tubules (distal tubule)
Oxytocin - increases contractility of the uterus and is the primary hormone involved in the "let down reflex" (milk ejection from the breasts)
Term
What hormone is released from the pineal gland? What does it target and what is its function
Definition
Melatonin --> effects the brain and the anterior pituitary, immune system, possibly others.
Entrains the bodies biological rhythm (circadium rhythms) inhibits gonadotropins, acts as antioxidant and enhances immunity.
Term
What is leutenizing hormone? Where is it released from and what does it do?
Definition
Targets the ovarian follicle and corpus luteum in order to stimulate ovulation, corpus luteum development and estrogen/progesterone secretion.
Term
Where does tetraiodothyronine (t4 or thyroxine) come from?
Definition
It is secreted by the thyroid gland follicular cells and increases metabolic rate.
Term
What does aldosterone do?
Definition
Increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the kidneys.
Term
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced where? What do they do
Definition
In the adrenal medulla
Function as part of the sympathetic nervous system
Term
Through what actions do hormones act?
Definition
1) Alters channel permeabilities
2) Acts through secondary messenger systems (major)
3) Activates specific genes to cause formation of new proteins (slow)
Term
Describe the hormonal response.
Definition
1) Endocrine gland synthesizes and releases hormones
2) The hormones come into contact with their target cell and bind to receptors on the cell surface which can have a few different effects
1. Altering of channel permeabilities
2. Activation of secondary messenger systems (major function)
3. Activation of gene transcription for formation of new proteins (slow)
3) Physiological response
Term
Describe the mechanism behind the parathyroid hormones receptors function.
Definition
The parathyroid hormone receptor is a g-protein coupled receptor.
When activated, its alpha unit activates adenylyl cyclase which increases the concentration of cAMP.
The increase in cAMP causes the activation of PKA (protein kinase A) which then phosphorylates (?)
Term
Describe the mechanism behind the receptors function for arganine vasopressin.
Definition
The arganine vasopressin receptor is a g-protein coupled receptor.
The alpha sub unit than binds to PLC, which then breaks down (?) into IP3 and DAG.
IP3 leads to the release of calcium from intracellular stores
DAG leads to the activation of protein kinase C
Term
True or false:
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone acts through a g-protein coupled receptor to activated PLA2 which leads to modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism
Definition
True
Term
True or false: the receptor for arganine vasopressin is an ionic channel which opens when Vasopressin binds to it
Definition
False.
It is a g-protein coupled receptor that leads to the activation of PLC by the alpha unit which increases the production of IP3 and DAG.
Term
Which hormones lead to the activation of tyrosine kinase?
Definition
Growth hormone and insulin
Term
True or false --> parathyroid receptor's mechanism acts through the activation of adenylyl cyclase which activates PKA
Definition
True.
Term
How are hormone levels controlled?
Definition
Through tightly regulated feedback loops.
Term
What regulates the release of both ACTH and CRH?
Definition
Cortisol acts as the regulator ---> high concentrations inhibit the release of CRH from the hypothalamus and ACTH from the anterior pituitary.
Term
Where is CRH released from?
Definition
The hypothalamus
Term
Where is ACTH released from?
Definition
The anterior pituitary
Term
Describe a simple feedback loop for hormonal regulation.
Definition
Sensor regulates the release of a hormone. That hormone then acts on a target tissue and causes the production and release of some sort of metabolite or signalling molecule. The increased concentration of this metabolite/signalling molecule will act on the sensor and will cause it to respond.
Term
Describe the hormonal regulation of cortisol. What type of regulation is this?
Definition
It is hierarchical regulation.
The cerebral cortex sends a signal to the hypothalamus, which then releases CRH. This CRH then stimulates the anterior pituitary to release ACTH. ACTH then acts on the adrenal cortex to release cortisol which acts on the target tissues.
Cortisol functions as an inhibitor for the release of CRH from the hypothalamus as well as ACTH from the adrenal cortex.
Term
What cell releases insulin?
Definition
The beta cells in a pancreatic islet (of langerhans)
Term
True or false: lipophilic molecules can freely move through the blood stream to act on target tissues
Definition
False. Lipophilic molecules must first be bound to plasma proteins before it can be transported to target tissues.
Term
How can lipophilic molecules travel through the blood stream?
Definition
They become bound to plasma proteins (albumin, ) which facilitates their movement through blood plasma.
Term
Steroids are formed from what precursor molecule?
Definition
Cholesterol.
Term
What type of hormone is vasopressin?
Definition
Peptide hormone composed of specific amino acids.
Term
Where are peptide hormones synthesized? Name one.
Definition
Synthesized within the rough endoplasmic reticulum, then is packaged within the golgi complex.
Vasopressin is a peptide hormone synthesized in this manner
Term
How are peptide hormones transferred within the blood?
Definition
Freely, not bound to proteins.
Term
Where can peptide hormones be found?
Definition
All hormones of the:
Hypothalamus
Anterior pituitary
Posterior pituitary
Pancreas
Parathyroid gland
Gastrointestinal tract
Kidneys
Liver
Thyroid C cells (produce T3 and T4)
Heart
Term
What are the types of amine hormones?
Definition
Catecholamines and thyroid hormones
Term
Catecholamines are synthesized from what precursor molecule
Definition
Catecholamines are tyrosine derivatives
Term
Where are catecholamines synthesized and stored?
Definition
Synthesized: cytoplasm
Stored: chromaffin granules and some binding proteins
Term
How are catecholamines transported within circulation?
Definition
Half-bound to plasma proteins.
Term
In what organs can we find concentrations of catecholamines?
Definition
Only within the adrenal medulla
Term
What is catecholamines mechanism of action?
Definition
Mechanism is through the activation of a secondary messenger that alters the activity of preexisting proteins to produce the desired effect
Term
Amines are produced from what molecule?
Definition
Catecholamines = tyrosine derivatives
Thyroid hormones = iodinated tyrosine derivative
Term
Are thyroid hormones lipophillic or hydrophillic?
Definition
They're lipophillic
Term
What is catecholamines mechanism of action?
Definition
Mechanism is through the activation of a secondary messenger that alters the activity of preexisting proteins to produce the desired effect
Term
Amines are produced from what molecule?
Definition
Catecholamines = tyrosine derivatives
Thyroid hormones = iodinated tyrosine derivative
Term
Are thyroid hormones lipophillic or hydrophillic?
Definition
They're lipophillic
Term
How are thyroid hormones transported in the blood?
Definition
Because they're lipophillic molecules, they're mostly transported by being attached to other proteins.
Term
Where are steroids made?
Definition
Adrenal cortex
Term
Where are peptide hormones synthesized?
Definition
In the endoplasmic reticulum.
Term
Describe the synthesis of peptide hormones.
Definition
Synthesized as part of larger precursor peptides. (preprohormone)
Signal sequence @ N-terminus leads to insertion into ER.
The signal sequence gets cleaved off to reveal a precursor, the prohormone
The prohormone is then cleaved to reveal the hormone molecules by endoproteases. Different ones cleave @ different sites to form different hormones.
Term
What is a peptide with the signalling sequence still attached called? Also, on which end would the signalling sequence be on?
Definition
Signalling sequence is on the N-terminus.
Preprohormone.
Term
What is a peptide called once the signalling sequence has been cleaved off it's N-terminus?
Definition
Prohormone
Term
Which is cleaved to reveal the hormone molecule, the preprohormone or the prohormone?
Definition
The prohormone.
Term
True or false: hormones are packaged into vesicles at the cis-golgi and endocytosis of those vesicles occurs at the trans-golgi
Definition
True.
Term
Describe the synthesis of catelcholines. What enzymes are involved?
Definition
Precursor molecule: tyrosine.
Occurs in the cytosol:
1) Tyrosine is converted into DOPA by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase
2) DOPA is then converted, by dopa-decarboxylase, into Dopamine
Occurs in the chromaffin cells:
1) Dopamine is converted by dopamine B-carboxylase into norepinephrine
Transported to the cytosol:
1) Norepinephrine is converted by phenethanolamine N-methyltransferase into epinephrine.
Term
Where are steroid hormones released from?
Definition
The adrenal cortex
Term
What is the intermediate between cholesterol and aldosterone?
Definition
Cholesterol --> progesterone --> aldosterone
Term
What is the intermediate between cholesterol and estrone?
Definition
Cholesterol --> Progesterone --> Estrone
Cholesterol --> intermediates --> esterone
Term
What types of hormones are bound to plasma proteins? Give an example of some
Definition
Lipophilic molecules are typically bound to plasma proteins.
Example: T3 and T4 from the thyroid gland
Term
Why is there an increase in plasma binding proteins during pregnancy?
Definition
Because there's an increase in blood flow. This will send cause a feedback response in the body that stimulates the body to synthesize more and to synthesize more of the hormones that bind to it.
Term
What are the general types of endocrine disorders?
Definition
Where there can be too much or too little hormone activity.
Too little activity = hyposecretion
- Increased removal from blood
- Abnormal tissue responsiveness to hormone
○ Lack of target cells/receptors
○ Lack of essential enzyme essential to target-cell process
Too much activity = hypersecretion
- Increased biologically free hormones (reduced plasma proteins)
- Decreased removal of hormone from blood
○ Decreased inactivation
○ Decreased excretion
Term
How can you quantify the amount of hormones in the blood?
Definition
1) Radioimmunoassay
1. Displacement curve

**radioimmunoassay can also be used to quantify the # of hormone receptors in a tissue + the affinity of the hormone-receptor interaction
Term
What type of tissue is the posterior pituiatary made up of?
Definition
Its made up of mostly axon terminals -- this is because it is made up of nerve endings that originate from the hypothalamus
Term
What is the neurohypophysis?
Definition
The posterior pituitary. It is called this because it is an extension of the hypothalamus
Term
Describe the neuronal connection between the anterior/posterior pituitary gland and the hypothalamus
Definition
Paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus have axons that lead down through the hypothalamic posterior pituitary stalk and terminates into the posterior pituitary.

Action potentials fired in the cell bodies located in the neurosecretory neurons of the hypothalamus travel down the axons that terminate in the posterior pituitary where they release vasopressin and oxytocin (or calcium).
Term
What type of cells make up the anterior pituitary?
Definition
A glandular epithelial tissue.
Term
What is adenohypophysis?
Definition
The anterior pituitary.
Term
How is the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary stimulated?
Definition
Hyperphysotropic releasing hormones act on the hypophys (pituitary tissue) and cause the release of other hormones.
Term
What are the different types of hormone-releasing cells found in the anterior pituitary gland?
Definition
Somatotrophs --> release growth hormone
Corticotrophs --> release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Thyrotrophs --> release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Lactotrophs --> release prolactin (PRL)
Gonadotrophs --> release leureinzing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Term
What type of hormones are released from the anterior pituitary?
Definition
Peptide hormones
Term
In the peptide hormones that are composed of a beta and alpha sub unit, which is the most important for its actions?
Definition
Determined by the different beta sub units
Term
What does the anterior pituitary regulate?
Definition
Regulates reproduction, growth, energy response, and the stress response. Most are tropic.
Term
Laron dwarfism is caused by what?
Definition
It is caused by abnormal GH receptors.
Term
Individuals with laron syndrome seem to have a lower occurrence of what major disease?
Definition
Of cancer and diabetes.
Term
What does an excess of GH during adulthood do?
Definition
It causes a condition known as acromegaly which occurs after the bones have fused which is marked by a thickening of the bones of the hand, feet, and face.
Also the enlargement of certain organs such as the heart and liver.
Term
If you cut the pituitary stalk, what will happen to the hormonal release in the anterior pituitary?
Definition
If you cut the pituitary stock most of the hormones would then decrease in secretion. However, prolactin secretion increases.
Term
Describe the release of cortisol.
Definition
Stress causes the stimulation of small-bodies neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, causing them to secrete CRH.
CRH binds to GPCR on the corticotroph membrane, triggering an adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA leading to the release of preformed ACTH.
ACTH then binds to the receptors on the adrenal cortex triggering AC/cAMP/PKA response causing the conversion from cholesterol ---> prognenolone --> cortisol
Term
What are the activators for GH and the inhibitors of GH secretion?
Definition
GHRH activates the release of GH from somatotrophs from the anterior pituitary. Both act through G-protein receptors that regulate adenylyl cyclase and cAMP levels if somatotrophs.
Term
Where are the hormones AVP and oxytocin synthesized?
Definition
In the supraoptic nuclei and paraventricular nuclei.
Term
Which type of receptor is key in controlling emotions and cognition?
Definition
NMDA receptors.
Term
Terratoma is associated with what?
Definition
Associated with an autoimmunity to NMDA receptors.
Term
What is vasopressin?
Definition
It is the primary hormone regulating water balance in the body.
It has a vasoconstrictive effect in large doses (causes increase in blood pressure )
Term
Where are the cell bodies that innervate the posterior pituitary
Definition
Found in the supraoptic nucleus and the paraventricular nucleus. They send their axons down the pituitary stalk and terminate in the posterior pituitary.
Term
What does osmolality mean?
Definition
Refers to the total concentration of solute molecules expressed per kg of water.
Term
What does osmolarity mean?
Definition
Refers to the total concentration of solute expressed per L of water.
Term
How do animals maintain their osmolality?
Definition
Through the excretion and reabsorption of water and sodium.

Hypotonic: increase feelings of thirst, increase release of vasopressin (increase in urine production).
Increase sodium appetite, decrease sodium excretion.

Hypertonic: increase feelings of thirst, increase release of vasopressin (decrease in urine production).
Decrease sodium appetite, increase sodium excretion
Term
If you remove the posterior pituitary gland, what happens to osmolality regulation?
Definition
The release of vasopressin is halted.
Term
What type of secretory cells are responsible for the release of vasopressin?
Definition
Magnocellular neurosecretory cells
Also responsible for the release of oxytocin.
Term
True or false: OVLT and SFO have excitatory inputs on magnocellular secretory cells. What is OVLT and SFO
Definition
True.
Osmoreceptors
Term
True or false: magnocellular neurosecretory cells release both oxytocin and vasopressin
Definition
False. They release only one or the other.
Term
Vasopressin is synthesized as part of what larger peptide?
Definition
Preproneurophysin
Term
What is the name of the axons in the pituitary stalk?
Definition
MNC axons.
Term
Neurophysin I is associated with what?
Definition
Oxytocin
Term
Neurophysin II is associated with what?
Definition
Vasopressin
Term
What is the osmotic threshold?
Definition
Above the threshold gives an increase in vasopressin which causes a decrease in the production of urine.
Term
In the instance of a volume expansion we can expect vasopressin release to
a) Decrease
b) Increase
c) Not change
d) None of the above
Definition
We expect vasopressin release to decrease
Term
Increase/decrease in firing in MNC depends on input from what?
Definition
Changes in plasma volume: Baroreceptors
Changes in osmolality: depends on cells that are sensitive to osmolality in the OVLT and SFO.

Increase in temperature increases the firing rate of MNCs

Stimulation of the nipples can cause rapid firing and initiate the letdown reflex.
Term
OVLT stands for what?
Definition
Organum vasculosum laminae terminalis
Term
What does the mechanism by which the MNC's detect changes in external osmolality depend on?
How can they do this?
Definition
Depends on osmotically-evoked change in cell volume.
This is due to the fact that they lack the usual mechanism for compensatory changes in cell volume. (Ie the osmosensitive TRPV1 channels are not there)
Term
How do osmosensitive cells work?
Definition
During hypotonicity, cells will expand and swell. Because they possess stretch sensitive channels which are inactivated when stretched, expansion will close them.
This causes the cell to become less excitable.

During hypertonicity, cells will shrink. This will cause an increase in the opening of these stretch receptor cells and will tend to move ions out of the cell.

The channels are TRPV1 channels
Term
What does it mean if you see a decrease in conductance?
Definition
G is the reverse of resistance. If you see an increase in conductance than there's a decrease in resistance through the opening of channels.
Term
True or false: MNC's are temperature sensitive
Definition
MNC's are temperature sensitive and osmotically sensitive. The temperature dependency is part of a anticipation mechanism for increase in osmolarity.
Term
Where are the receptors that initiate or decrease the thirst response.
Definition
Increase:
Dryness in mouth/throat
Increase plasma osmolarity
Decrease in blood volume

Decrease:
Monitoring of water intake by GI tract
Term
Where does vasopressin act in the nephron?
Definition
• Cortical collecting duct
• Outer medullary collecting duct
• Inner medullary collecting duct
Term
In the nephron, AQP2 channels are found in the highest concentration in which sections?
Definition
Found in the colleting ducts (cortical, outer medullary, inner medullary collecting ducts)
Term
In the nephron, AQP1 channels are found in the which sections of the tubule?
Definition
High concentration in the proximal tubules and thin descending limb
Term
Describe the vasopressin mechanism at the cellular level in the nephron cells.
Definition
Vasopressin binds to V2 receptors on the epithelial cells of the collecting ducts.
This activates a G-protein which acts on adenylyl cyclase (cAMP increase)
cAMP activates PKA which phosphorylates a number of proteins (w/ different effects)
1) Causes exocytotic fusion of vesicles that contain AQPII bind with lumen surface membrane.
2) Sustained levels of vasopressin cause the binding of cAMP to "cyclic amp response element binding protein" or CREB. This bites to a specific site on DNA "CRE site" which regulates the production of specific proteins, including AQP2
Term
What is diabetes insipidus?
Definition
There's urine production but does not have glucose in it.
Distinguished by its large production of very dilute urine.
Term
What is central or neurogenic diabetes insipidus?
Definition
Results from failure of vasopressin secretion but can still respond to it.
Term
What is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
Definition
Theres an inability for the kidneys to respond normally to vasopressin.
Term
What is the medicinal alternate of vasopressin?
Definition
Desmopressin
Term
Increased injestion of alcohol causes a decrease in what?
Definition
Causes a decrease in the release of vasopressin.
Term
What is the hormone involve in the let down response?
Definition
Oxytocin
Term
Which hormone is responsible for the secretion of milk.
Definition
Prolactin
Term
Describe the oxytocin effects in the let down effect
Definition
Triggers the contraction of the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli in the lactating breast, resulting in the ejection of milk.
Term
How are the lactotrophs stimulated?
Definition
Through the inhibition of dopamine release from the acruate nucleus. This decrease of dopamine removes the inhibition dopamine usually exhibits on lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary, leading to prolactin release.
Term
Zeitgebers
Definition
Environmental cues that entrain our biological rhythms to earths 24 hour clock.
Most important cure is light… others are temperature, sound, humidity, social interactions and availability of food.
Term
Around which nucleus is the internal clock centered around
Definition
Around the supraciasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus
Term
Where are the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and what is its function?
Definition
Resides within the hypothalamus. It's functions are to set circadium rhythms.
Term
What are the clock genes
Definition
Clock genes are proteins that inhibit further transcription.
Primarily from two families:
Period (per1, per2, per3) and cryptochrome (cry1, and cry2)
Term
What does the entrainment of the SCN through light depend on?
Definition
Depends on the ganglion cells of the retina using a different photopigment called melanopsin
Term
What is melanopsin
Definition
The photopigment within the ganglion cells of the retina that are involved in the light-based entrainment of the SCN.
Light detected by these photoreceptors is sent to the SCN via the retinohypothalamic tract
Term
What neurohormone is SCN's primary synchronizing molecule
Definition
GABA.
Term
How does the SCN control metabolic and endocrine rhythms in two ways:
Definition
Connections in the brain controlling sleep/wakefulness
- Control of sleep dependent hormones (prolactin and GH)
Connections to neuroendocrine systems / autonomic nervous system
Can drive these independently of sleep
Term
What molecules are expressed by the SCN?
Definition
GABA (their primary signalling molecule)
AVP or VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide)

**disruption of VIP causes a disruption in circadium rhythms.
Term
True or false: the peak of release for growth hormone occurs around midday.
Definition
False.
The peak release of GH occurs during the sleep cycle.
Term
During the day, when is the peak release of ACTH
Definition
During the early morning hours … occurs in brief bursts
Term
The suprachiasmatic nucleus
Definition
Controls out internal clock
Term
With relation to gene transcription, circadian day is associated with what? Circadian night is associated with what?
Definition
Circadian day: marked by high levels of mRNA and low protein levels
Circadian night: marked by high nuclear protein levels associated with attenuated gene expression.
Term
Retinohypothalamic tract
Definition
It is the specific pathway by which the pigment malanopsin sends its signal to the SCN's for light-entrainment of the circadian rhythms.
Term
This hormone is thought to be important in setting the sleep pattern in circadian rhythms.
Definition
Melatonin.
Term
Zona glomerulosa
Definition
Releases aldosterone
Found in the outermost layer of the adrenal gland
Term
Zona fasciculata
Definition
Releases glucocorticoids (cortisol) and androgens (DHEA and androstenedione)
Found in the second layer of the adrenal gland, between zona flomerulosa and zona reticularis
Term
Zona reticularis
Definition
Releases glucocorticoids and androgens. Found between the zona fasciculata and the adrenal medulla
Term
Adrenal medulla
Definition
Releases adrenalin and noradrenalin
Found in the innermost layer of the adrenal gland.
Term
The adrenal cortex is associated with the release of what types of hormones?
Definition
Corticosteroids (mineralcorticoids and glucocorticoids) and androgens
Term
What is HSP90?
Definition
Heat shock protein --> receptors for glucocorticoids are associated with these proteins.
Term
Describe the transcriptional modification through glucocorticoids.
Definition
Glucocorticoids are lipophilic molecules, so they diffuse readily through membranes.
Glucocorticoid receptors are bound to shuttle proteins called HSP90 (heat-shock-protein 90kDa) which dissociates with the binding of the glucocorticoid.
The receptor then binds to sites on the DNA called "glucocorticoid response elements (GRE)" upon which the receptors dimerize, initiating the transcription of that gene into mRNA.
Term
Describe the transcriptional modification through thyroid hormones
Definition
Thyroid hormones are lipophilic molecules that diffuse directly through the cellular, then the nucleus membrane.
In the nucleus they bind to the thyroid hormone receptor (THR) which then binds to the DNA strand.
However, a dimer with the retinoid X receptor must form before the transcription (by RNA polymerase II) can be activated.
Term
What is the intermediate between most hormones and cholesterol
Definition
Pregnenolone
Term
What is the rate limiting step in the formation of adrenal steroids?
Definition
Removal of the cholesterol side chain. Forms prognenolone
Term
What kind of steroid is aldosterone?
Definition
It is a mineralcorticoid
Term
What type of steroid is cortisol?
Definition
It is a primary glucocorticoid
Term
What is 17-alpha hydroxylase and where is it found?
Definition
An enzyme that is found expressed in the fasciculata and reticularis layers.
It is involved in the pathways that convert cholesterol --> prognenolone --> DHEA and the pathway that converts cholesterol --> prognenolone --> cortisol.
Term
Which adrenal hormone does not start being produced until 7-8 years old
Definition
DHEA.
Term
Aldosterone Synthase
Definition
Found only in the cells of the zona glomerulosa
Term
What is 21-hydroxylase and where is it found?
Definition
Enzyme necessary for the production of aldosterone and cortisol.
Term
What would happen if there were a mutation in the gene that encodes from 21-hydroxylase.
Definition
A mutation in 21-hydroxylase would cause an increase in ACTH and an overproduction of DHEA.
Term
Where is CRH synthesized, what is it and what does it do?
Definition
CRH = corticotropin releasing hormone.
Small-bodied neurons of the hypothalamus secrete CRH which reaches the corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary through long portal veins. It stimulates the release of ACTH.
ACTH stimulates the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone which is then converted into other steroid hormones
Term
What is ACTH and what does it do?
Definition
It is a hormone released by the anterior pituitary. It stimulates the synthesis of adrenal hormones and has a trophic effect in the two inner zones of the adrenal cortex.
Term
Cortisol has effects which counteract the effects of what hormone?
Definition
Insulin
Term
Chronic treatment with glucocorticoids can cause a deficiency in what?
Definition
ACTH
Causes the atrophy of the two inner zones of the adrenal cortex
Term
True of false: 90% of circulating cortisol is bound to albumin.
Definition
False. 90% is bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin and 7% is bound to albumin.
Term
What is the pharmacological role of glucocorticoids?
Definition
They are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive.
Term
In which situations is cortisol important for?
Definition
Cortisol is involved in the breakdown of fatty acids, amino acids, and glycogen. Therefore it increases blood concentration levels of the three nutrient types.
Term
Aldosterone
Definition
Main function is as regulatory of sodium and potassium secretion. It causes a decrease in sodium secretion and an increases potassium excretion.
Term
What are the regulators of aldosterone
Definition
Primarily angiotension II.
Also blood potassium levels
ACTH has a weak effect
Term
What is primary hyperaldosteronism?
Definition
It is when there is a tumor involving the cells that release aldosterone. Causes an increase in potassium and sodium levels which can lead to hypertension.
Term
What is secondary hyperaldosteronism?
Definition
Where there's a problem with the tissue or hormone that's regulating the release of aldosterone (like inappropriate levels of Renin or Angiotensin II)
Term
What is cushings syndrom?
Definition
Caused when theirs is an excessive concentration of cortisol
Can be due to an excess of either hormones regulating cortisol (ACTH and CRH)
You end up with a protein shortage and abnormal fat distribution around the face and neck.
Term
What can addisons disease be caused by
Definition
By micororganisms or by autoimmunity to the adrenal gland
Term
Which cells are model cells for studying endocrinology
Definition
Chromaffin cells.
This is because they are large and round and act like a nueron because their main goal to is to secrete epinephrine
Term
What are the endocrine cells of the adrenal medulla called?
Definition
Chromaffin cells
Term
What are chromaffin cells
Definition
They are modified sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons that release catecholamines which is primarily determined by the release of ACh from the splanchnic nerve
Term
What type of receptor is found on chromaffin cells that interacts with ACh.
Definition
N2 type nicotinic receptors
Term
The synthesis of catecholamines is regulated by what?
Definition
By sympathetic stimulation and by the release of ACTH and cortisol.
Term
Catecholamines are made from what precursor?
Definition
Tyrosine
Term
Describe the enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of catecholamines
Definition
Precursor: (1st) Tyrosine.
Tyrosine --- tyrosine hydroxylase ---> dihydroxyphenylalanine
Dihydroxyphenylalanine ---amino acid decarboxylase --> dopamine
Dopamine ---dopamine-beta-hydroxylase---> norepinephrine
Norepinephrine ---phenylethanolamine---> epinephrine
Term
Describe the cellular based synthesis of catecholamines
Definition
Tyrosine precursor in cytoplasm of chromaffin cell is converted by tyrosine hydroxylase to DOPA which is then converted to dopamine by amino acid decarboxylase.
The dopamine is then taken up into the chromaffin granule in exchange for hydrogen ions (VMAT1). (H+ ions are pumped in by an HATPase)
Dopamine beta hydroxylase (found within the granule) converts dopamine into norepinephrine.
NE then leaves the chromaffin granule and is converted to epinephrine by phenylethanolamine.
Epinephrine is then re-taken up into the cell and from there it is secreted.

**chromogranin is the hormone-binding protein that enables high concentration of adrenalin in the granules.
Term
True or false: the adrenal medulla is activated as part of the parasympathetic response
Definition
False. It is activated as part of the sympathetic response.
Term
Pheochromocytoma
Definition
A rare neuroendocrine tumour of the chromaffin cells characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity. This is because chromaffin cells proliferate and release high concentrations of E and NE
Term
Where is the thyroid gland located?
Definition
Found in the neck, just below the pharyngeal prominance (the adams apple) on both sides of the trachea.
Term
Describe the cellular structure of the thyroid gland.
Definition
Composed of follicular cells that make up structures surrounding a fluid filled space called the colloid.
Term
Where are follicular cells found, what do they do?
Definition
Follicular cells are found in the thyroid glands.
The thyroid gland is made up of many follicles, which are made up of follicular cells that surround a fluid filled space called the colloid.
The follicular cells are responsible for trapping iodide (then is converted into iodine) and the colloid is the place which thyroid hormones are synthesized.
Term
Thyroid hormones are synthesized from what precursor hormone
Definition
Tyrosine
Term
What's the difference between T3 and T4?
Definition
The difference is the number of iodine molecules attached there.
T4 = 4 iodine molecules (two on the inner and two on the outer ring)
T3 = 3 iodine molecules (two on the inner ring, one on the outer ring)
Reverse T3 = 3 iodine molecules (one in the inner ring, two on the outer ring)
Term
Which is the more active version, T3 or T4.
Definition
T3 is the more active version.
Term
Describe the steps in thyroid-hormone synthesis.
Definition
1) Iodide is taken up into follicular cells through a co-transporter (Na+ and Iodide)
1. TSH increases the activity of the protransporter
2) Iodide is then transported into the colloid by pendrin, where it is then converted into iodine
1. A protein thyroglobulin must be transported into the colloid by exocytotic fusion - but it has many tyrosine molecules attached to it.
3) Iodination step --> iodine is added to tyrosine molecules
4) Conjucation step --> the ring from one tyrosine molecule is chemically attached to that of another (two DIT = T4, 1 MIT and 1 DIT = T3)
5) Is taken back up into the follicular cells by endocytosis. Then merges with lysosomes where proteolysis break down the thyroglobulin into T3's, T4's as well as MITs and DIT's.
6) T3 and T4 then diffuse out of the lysosendosome and go into the blood stream

**TSH is involved in increasing the activity of these steps as well as has a trophic effect.
Term
Where is T4 turned into T3.
Definition
In the circulation but primarily in the liver and kidneys.
Term
Describe the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis
Definition
1) Small bodied neurons in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence of the hypothalamus secrete TRH.
2) TRH reaches the thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary through the long portal veins.
1. TRH binds to G-protein coupled receptor on the thyrotroph membrane thus triggering DAG/IP3 pathway, leading to protein phosphorylation and raising internal calcium concentrations.
3) This stimulates the thyrotrophs to synthesize and release thyrotropin (TSH) which binds to receptors on the basolateral membrane of thyroid follicular cells, thereby stimulating G-alpha-s
4) G-alpha-s in turn activates activates adenylyl cyclase which raises cAMP.
5) TSH stimulates certain step in the synthesis and release of T4 and T3.

**somatostatin and dopamine-released by hypothalamic neurons- inhibit TSH release and thus can influence the set point at which TSH is released in response to a given amount of T3 in the pituitary.
Term
What is the enzyme that converts t4 into t3
Definition
5'/3'-monodeiodinase or 5/3-monodeiodinase
**5'/3' works on the outer ring (makes reverse T3)
5/3 works on the inner ring (makes T3)
Term
What is the action called that converts T4 to T3
Definition
Monodeiodinases
Term
Thyroxin-binding globulin
Definition
Protein that T3 and T4 are bound to in the blood.
Term
The thyroid hormone receptor protein dimerizes with what other protein in order to activate the synthesis of mRNA
Definition
Retinoid X receptor
Term
Describe the action of thyroid hormones on target cells
Definition
Free T4 and T3 enter target cells.
Once inside the cell, 5'/3'-monodeisodinase converts much of the T4 into T3 (until levels of both are about equal)
Thyrodein receptors bind to nuclear DNA at TRE (thyroid response elements) in the promoter region of genes regulated by thyroid hormones.
Forms a heterodimer with retinoid x receptor.
Term
If a child has a thyroid deficiency, what parameter will not "catch up"?
a) Bone age
b) Height age
c) Mental age
d) None of the above
Definition
C
Term
What is a goiter
Definition
It is due to the trophic effects of TSH on thyroid tissue. This is because there is not enough iodine around to be able to produce T3 or T4
Term
Hyporthyroidism symptoms
Definition
Tiredness,
Weight gain,
Cold intolerance
Goitre
Mental slowness
Dry thin hair
Bradycardia
Term
Hyperthyroidism symptoms
Definition
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Irritability
Tremor
Heat intolerance
Hyperkinesis
Tachycardia . Atrial fibrilation
Goiter
Exepothalamos
Term
What underlies graves disease
Definition
Similar to hyperthyroidism but caused by an autoimmune disease which binds to a receptor and STIMULATES it into production of T3 and T4.
Leads to a decrease in TSH production, yet you still have a goiter.
Supporting users have an ad free experience!