Hypothalamic, Pituitary, and Estrogen Drugs Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts related to hypothalamic, pituitary, and estrogen drugs based on lecture notes.

What vessels transport hypothalamic hormones to the anterior pituitary?

Hypophysioportal vessels

Which hormone elicits corticosteroid secretion by the adrenal cortex?

Corticotropin

What hormone elicits production of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) by the liver?

Growth Hormone (GH)

Which hormone stimulates spermatogenesis and facilitates ovarian follicle development?

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Which hormone elicits testosterone secretion by the testes and induces ovulation?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

What hormone stimulates thyroxin secretion by the thyroid gland?

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Which hormone induces breast tissue growth and lactation?

Prolactin

Where are posterior pituitary hormones formed?

Supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus

What hormone induces milk ejection by the breast?

Oxytocin

What effect does vasopressin exert on the kidneys?

Increases water and sodium reabsorption

What is the function of Somatostatin?

Growth hormone–inhibiting hormone

Which hypothalamic hormone stimulates the secretion of gonadotropins?

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

What are the two gonadotropins secreted by the pituitary?

FSH and LH

What determines which gonadotropin is secreted?

The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses

In females, what does FSH stimulate?

Ovarian follicle maturation

In males, what does LH stimulate?

Leydig's cells in the testes to produce testosterone

Where are estrogens formed in females?

Granulosa cells of the ovary

What is the primary source of progesterone?

Corpus luteum

What are some physiological actions of estrogen?

Development of fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina, secondary sex characteristics, bone formation, blood clotting

What is the most potent estrogen produced and secreted by the ovary?

Estradiol

Which estrogen is the primary circulating estrogen after menopause?

Estrone

Which estrogen is the principal estrogen produced by the placenta during pregnancy?

Estriol

What is a source of conjugated equine estrogens?

Urine of pregnant mares

What structural modification increases the oral potency of ethinyl estradiol and mestranol?

Addition of an ethinyl group

What are some indications for estrogen preparations?

Primary hypogonadism and HRT in postmenopausal women

What are some potential adverse effects of estrogen?

Breast tenderness, headache, edema, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, changes in libido

What are SERMs?

Selective estrogen receptor modulators

Name an example of a SERM.

Tamoxifen or Raloxifene

What is the primary use of tamoxifen?

Prevent or treat breast cancer

What are some adverse effects of tamoxifen?

Nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, menstrual irregularities, increased risk of endometrial cancer

Unlike tamoxifen, what effect does raloxifene have on uterine tissue?

Estrogen antagonist

What are some common adverse effects of raloxifene?

Hot flashes and leg cramps

What is the mechanism of action for aromatase inhibitors?

Reduce circulating levels of estrogen

Name two aromatase inhibitors.

Anastrozole and letrozole

What is the mechanism of action of clomiphene?

Blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary