Endocrine Review Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the 4 primary organs of the endocrine system?
- Adrenal glands
- Thyroid glands
- Parathyroid glands
- Pituitary glands
These organs play crucial roles in hormone production and regulation within the body.
What hormone does the pituitary gland produce that stimulates the adrenal cortex?
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
ACTH is essential for the regulation of cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
What is the primary function of cortisol?
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and is involved in the body’s response to stress.
It helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and blood sugar levels.
What is hypoadrenocorticism also known as?
Addison’s disease
This condition involves decreased production of hormones by the adrenal cortex.
List signs of hypoadrenocorticism.
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- PU/PD
- Dehydration
- Hypothermia
- Slow CRT
- Melena
- Bradycardia
- Painful abdomen
- Weak pulse
- Alopecia
Symptoms can vary based on whether the onset is acute or chronic.
What are some causes of hypoadrenocorticism?
- Genetic factors
- Deficiency with the adrenal glands (possibly immune mediated)
- Deficient production and secretion of ACTH
- Sudden withdrawal of glucocorticoid therapy
These causes can lead to adrenal cortex atrophy.
What is hyperadrenocorticism commonly referred to as?
Cushing’s disease
It is characterized by increased hormone production from the adrenal cortex.
List signs of hyperadrenocorticism.
- PU/PD
- Polyphagia
- Pendulous abdomen
- Hepatomegaly
- Hair loss
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Anestrus
- Obesity
- Muscle atrophy
- Panting
- Testicular atrophy
- Hyperpigmentation
- Thin skin
- Bruising
These signs can indicate an excess of cortisol in the body.
What are the common causes of hyperadrenocorticism?
- Genetic factors
- Corticosteroid therapy (iatrogenic)
- Brain or pituitary tumors
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Neoplasia of the adrenal glands
These causes can lead to excessive cortisol production.
What is the significance of the ACTH stimulation test?
It tests for both hypoadrenocorticism and hyperadrenocorticism by evaluating the adrenal glands’ response to exogenous ACTH.
This test helps distinguish between iatrogenic and true adrenal dysfunction.
What does the low dose dexamethasone suppression test help confirm?
It is used to confirm or replace the ACTH test for diagnosing Cushing’s disease.
This test evaluates adrenal feedback mechanisms.
What are the two thyroid hormones?
- T3
- T4
These hormones influence metabolic rate, growth, and cell differentiation.
What is the role of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)?
TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine (T4).
It is released from the pituitary gland.
List clinical signs of hypothyroidism.
- Lethargy
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Excessive shedding
- Cold intolerance
- Slow heart rate
- Anemia
- Abortion
- Stillbirths
- Goiters in neonates
These signs can significantly affect the quality of life.
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism in cats?
- Benign growth of the thyroid gland
Treatment often involves radiation therapy or thyroidectomy.
What is the primary focus when testing for thyroid disease in veterinary medicine?
Measuring the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, specifically total thyroxine (T4) and total triiodothyronine (T3).
Accurate measurement is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Fill in the blank: TSH increases early in disease and then ______ with chronic disease.
falls
This makes TSH a poor screening test for chronic hypothyroidism.
What is the interpretation of results from a high dose dexamethasone test in pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease?
ACTH and cortisol levels will drop.
This indicates that the pituitary gland’s sensitivity has been overcome.
What is the interpretation of results from a high dose dexamethasone test in adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease?
Excess cortisol is produced regardless of ACTH levels.
This indicates a primary adrenal problem.
