Hormones and Cancer

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to hormones and their role in cancer, as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is a hormone?

Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted in one part of the body, travel through the bloodstream, and coordinate the activities of different parts of the body.

Who first used the term 'hormone'?

The term 'hormone' was first used by Earnest Starling in 1905.

What are peptide hormones?

Peptide hormones are synthesized as prohormones, are stored in vesicles, are mostly polar, and can bind to cell membrane receptors to initiate signal transduction.

What are steroid hormones?

Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, released immediately, are generally non-polar, and bind to intracellular receptors to directly alter gene expression.

Example of amino acid-derived hormones?

Examples of amino acid-derived hormones include adrenaline (epinephrine), thyroxin, and triiodothyronine.

How do hormones affect target cells?

Hormones can affect target cells through binding to receptors, leading to various cellular responses such as changes in gene expression, enzyme activation, and modifications in protein functions.

What is the site of synthesis for estrogen?

Estrogen is primarily synthesized in the ovaries, but also in the adrenal glands, liver, fat cells, brain, and placenta during pregnancy.

What are the effects of adrenaline?

Adrenaline causes constriction of blood vessels, dilation of bronchioles, inhibition of digestive actions, and mobilization of metabolic energy.

What is the role of insulin?

Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose into cells by facilitating the translocation of the glucose transporter Glut4 to the plasma membrane.

What is the ligand for the Androgen Receptor (AR)?

The ligand for the Androgen Receptor is testosterone.

What is the role of glucagon?

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, and to synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis).

How is hormone secretion regulated?

Hormone secretion is often regulated by negative feedback loops, where the effects of a hormone inhibit its further release, maintaining homeostasis.

What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands secrete substances (e.g., enzymes, sweat) into ducts that lead to local areas or surfaces.