Endocrine Flashcards
(116 cards)
Specificity vs. Affinity in Hormone Receptor Binding
SPECIFICITY: ability to distinguish between similar substances (at what [ ] must the substance be before the receptor is activated)
AFFINITY:
determined by Kd –> ligand [ ] that occupies 50% of binding sites (smaller Kd = higher affinity). ‘
Ki is also associated –> [ ] that a hormone must be at before it kicks off 50% of another ligand
Rate limiting step of catecholamine formation
Tyrosine Hydroxylase conversion of Tyrosine to XDOPA
Function of Dopamine
Tonic Inhibitor of prolactin release from anterior pituitary
Defining component of Catecholamines and the main type(s).
Derived from single tyrosine
-Dopamine, Epi, NE
Defining component of Indoleamines and the main type(s)
Derived from single tryptophan
-Serotonin is the main one (and melatonin comes from serotonin)
Rate limiting step of indoleamine formation
Tryptophan hydroxylase conversion of Tryptophan to an intermediate
Function of serotonin and where it is made.
95% made in gut. Acts as a vasoconstrictor and stimulates smooth muscle cell contraction in intestine.
Melatonin (formation, uses and consequences)
Formation: converted from serotonin in the pineal; N-acetyltransferase is the RLS
Function: Regulation of day and night cycles. Used therapeutically for variety of conditions including insomnia, jet lag, SAD, migraines, etc. Active only during night.
Potent inhibitor of male reproductive functions
Basics of biosynthetic processing of steroid hormones
StAR protein transports free cholesterol from outer to inner mitochondria where it is converted to pregnenolone by cytochrome P450scc desmolase. Pregnenolone is subsequently converted to the glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, androgens and estrogens.
PVN
Paraventricular Nucleus
CRH, TRH (anterior pit); AVP, OXY (posterior pit)
Thirst, BP, mood/emotion/stress
POA
Preoptic Nucleus
GnRH
Reproduction
ARC
Arcuate Nucleus
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
Feeding behavior, satiety
SCN
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Sleep, Circadian Rhythms
ME
Medial Eminence
Functional converging point for neurons of hypothalamus, where they all release their hormones
GnRH pulsatility every 30 -60 mins favors…
every 2-3hrs…?
30-60mins: LH
2-3hrs: FSH
Tuberoinfundibular System
Anterior Pituitary
Comprises all neurons that send axonal projections to the median eminence. Hormones target the anterior pituitary through the capillary system (endocrine).
Neurohypophysial Tract
Posterior Pituitary
Comprises neurons whose axons terminate in the posterior pituitary.
Major cell types of the anterior pituitary and what they secrete.
ACIDOPHILS (most abundant):
Somatotrophs (GH)
Lactotrophs (prolactin)
BASOPHILS:
Corticotrophs (ACTH)
Gonadotrophs (LH/FSH)
Thyrotrophs (TSH)
What composes 90% of the Anterior Pituitary?
Pars distalis
Herring Bodies
Dilations of unmyelinated axons near the terminals which serve as the site of hormone release for the POSTERIOR PITUITARY.
Prolactin vs Oxytocin
Prolactin: Milk production, mammory gland development and breast differentiation
Oxytocin: Milk ejection
Carrier for AVP? For Oxytocin?
AVP- neurophysin II
Oxy- neurophysin I
ADH is secreted from what cells?
Magnocellular (posterior pit): fluid balance
Paracellular (median eminence): stress/anxiety
Both are cells of the PVN
What does AVP bind to?
V1 RECEPTORS: vascular smooth muscle cells, producing contraction and increased vascular resistance
V2 RECEPTORS: distal collecting duct for AQP2 channel insertion and formation