3/26 endocrine disorders (Chadbourne)

What is the main function of hormones?

To secrete chemical messengers into the bloodstream.

What part of the brain acts as the master switchboard for the endocrine system?

Hypothalamus.

What does the pituitary do?

Receives signals from the hypothalamus and releases hormones.

What is the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary hormonal axis?

It links the hypothalamus with the pituitary and end organs.

What hormones are released by the anterior pituitary?

Growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH, TSH, FSH, and LH.

What hormones does the posterior pituitary release?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

What is the negative feedback system in the endocrine system?

The end-product hormone negatively feeds back to prevent further stimulations.

What is upregulation in receptor activity?

Increased receptor sensitivity and number.

What is downregulation in receptor activity?

Decreased receptor sensitivity and number.

What are the three major types of endocrine conditions?

Hormone deficiency, hormone excess, and hormone resistance.

What causes hormone deficiency?

Gland destruction, which can be due to autoimmune issues, infection, or tumors.

What causes hormone excess?

Tumors, autoimmune disorders, or genetic mutations.

What is meant by hormone resistance?

Usually genetic; it involves a lack of hormone receptor or ability to respond.

What is hypofunction of endocrine glands?

Not enough hormone is produced.

What is hyperfunction of endocrine glands?

Excessive hormone production.

What is primary endocrine dysfunction?

Dysfunction occurs in the endocrine gland itself.

What is secondary endocrine dysfunction?

Dysfunction occurs in the pituitary gland.

What is tertiary endocrine dysfunction?

Dysfunction occurs in the hypothalamus.

What are common causes of endocrine dysfunction?

Autoimmune issues, neoplasia (cancers), and endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs).

Endocrine disorders are often….

Multisystem involvement, resulting in mood changes

What are some diagnostic methods for endocrine disorders?

Immunoassays, blood and urinary hormone levels, suppression and stimulation tests, and imaging techniques.

What is one common treatment for hormone deficiencies?

Hormone replacement therapy.

What are some common hormonal replacements used in therapy?

Glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, sex steroids, and ADH.

What is hypopituitarism?

Affecting one or more pituitary hormones.

What is panhypopituitarism?

Complete loss of all pituitary hormones.

What can cause hypopituitarism?

Pituitary tumors, brain surgery, and trauma.

What syndrome develops due to severe hemorrhage after childbirth?

Sheehan's syndrome.

What indicates rapid deterioration in hypopituitarism?

Acute hypopituitarism.

What is diabetes insipidus?

A condition characterized by a lack of ADH or response to ADH, leading to dilute urine and excessive thirst.

What are the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus?

Frequent urination, thirst, dehydration, and disorientation.

What differentiates central from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?

Central DI is due to lack of ADH, while nephrogenic DI is due to the kidneys failing to respond to ADH.

What is acute hypopituitarism?

A sudden and rapid deterioration of pituitary function.

What tests are involved in diagnosing diabetes insipidus?

Blood tests for osmolarity, urine osmolarity, and specific gravity.

What is desmopressin used for?

Treatment for central diabetes insipidus.

What does desmopressin replace?

Vasopressin (ADH).

What indicates the presence of SIADH?

Excessive ADH leading to fluid retention.

How does SIADH affect urine and plasma concentration?

Causes concentrated urine and dilute plasma.

What are the symptoms of SIADH?

Nausea, CNS depression, edema, fatigue, muscle cramps, and seizures.

What distinguishes diabetes insipidus from SIADH?

DI is characterized by little ADH and hypernatremia with diluted urine, while SIADH is characterized by excessive ADH, fluid retention, and hyponatremia.

What are common symptoms of hyperpituitarism?

Headaches and symptoms depending on specific hormone excess.

What childhood condition can occur due to growth hormone secreting adenoma?

Giantism.

What can occur if there is excessive ACTH production?

Cushing's syndrome symptoms.