17 - Hormones

Question 1

3 main type of receptors used by hormones?

Answer 1

• Surface membrane = Enzymes on cell membrane.
• Cytosolic receptor = Enter cell to initiate gene expression
• Nuclear hormones = enter chromatin in nucleus for DNA synthesis

Question 2

Difference between glucocorticosteroids and NSAIDs in mechanism?

Answer 2

NSAIDs inhibit inflammation (arachidonic acid –(COX)–> PG-cyclic endoperoxidases)
Glucocorticosteroids inhibit inflammation AND immune cell pathways (Phopholipids –(Phospholipase A2)–> Arachidonic acid)

Question 3

1) Corticosteroid uses
2) Corticosteroids ideally would have higher/lower water retention. What type of corticosteroids fits this?

Answer 3

1) Endocrine e.g. adisons or non-endocrine e.g. respiratory, rheumatic… Any autoimmune disease
2) Lower. Synthetic.

Question 4

General side effects of corticosteroids?

Answer 4

• Moon face
• Acne
• Glaucoma
• Skin thinning
• Bruising
• Psychological
• Congestive heart failure
• Peptic ulcer
• Abdominal fat increase
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle wasting

Question 5

Describe mineralcorticoids
- What are they?
- Uses?

Answer 5

Stimulate RNA at distal convoluted tubule of nephron for Na+ reabsorption, K+ and H+ excretion (H2O and salt retention)
- Aldosterone is primary mineralcorticosteroid of RAAS
- Fludrocortisone acetate used for deficiency
- Glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoids can be replaced if adrenals destroyed.

Question 6

1) List 4 gondadotropic hormones.
2) What therapies use this?

Answer 6

• FSH (Follicle-stimulating Hormone)
• LH (Luteinising Hormone)
• Prolactin
• HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
  2) Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) for
• Hypophyseal function test
• Stimualte fertility in women
  HCG in boys to
• Mediate testosterone secretion
• Induce testicular descent

Question 7

Describe androgens and anabolic steroids?
- Uses?

Answer 7

Testes -> testosterone -> dihydrotestosterone (2nd characterstics in men, masculinisation and libido in women).

• Primary + Secondary hypogonadism
• Increase female libido
• Breast cancer
• Male contraceptives? (Trials)

Question 8

Describe testosterone derivatives

Answer 8

• Parental (intramuscular) is more potent than oral and are usually in depot formulations (w/ oil so longer to absorb).
• Anabolic steroids causes myotropic effects e.g. aplastic anemia, osteoporisis, anorexia, increase muscle mass.

Question 9

Oestrogen
- Important for…
- Effects of menopause?
How and why is it replaced

Answer 9

• Sexual development
• Cognitive health
• Decreased cholesterol
• Growth
• Bone maintanence
  Lack of causes menopause
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Cognitive changes
• Osteoporosis
• Dry eyes
• Hot flushes etc..

Synethetical preparations allow oral route. Uses include:
- Contraceptives w/ progesterone
- Primary hypogonadism
- Primary amenorrhoea (to induce artifical cycle) w/ progesterone

Question 10

Describe some oestrogen antagonist.
- Uses?

Answer 10

Tamoxifen – Treats oestrogen +ve breast cancer
Clomifene – For fertility
Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are oestrogen replacement therapies.

Question 11

Progesterone uses?

Answer 11

Maintains pregnancy in 2nd half of menstrual cycle.