Languha Ngati

Pharmacology discussion Question

Chapter 34, introduction to the endocrine system

Instructor: CarolAnn Marchand

3-12-2020
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

1. Discuss two theories of hormone action. Provide an example of a hormone for each type

of hormone action.

The hormones that interact with membrane-bound receptors generally don’t enter

target cells, rather generate second messengers that proceed to regulate cellular

metabolism. On the other hand, hormones which interact with intracellular receptors

mostly regulate gene expression or chromosome function by the interaction of hormone

receptor complex with the genome.

Mechanism of Hormone Action

A hormonal stimulus typically produces one or more of the following changes:

changes in plasma membrane permeability and/or electrical state (membrane potential)

synthesis of proteins or certain regulatory molecules (such as enzymes) within the cell

enzyme regulation (activation or deactivation)

induce secretion

stimulation of mitosis

Two major mechanisms leading to hormone action:

Second messenger systems (mediate the target cell's response to hormone) Diagram

Hormone binds to a receptor on the cell membrane

Receptor causes adenylate cyclase in the membrane to be active and convert ATP into cAMP

cAMP activates protein kinases

Protein kinases activates enzymes, stimulate cellular secretion, opens ion channels, etc.....

Direct gene activation Diagram

Steroid hormones diffuse easily into their target cells

They bind to receptors within the nucleus

The activated complex then interacts with the nuclear chromatin binding to a receptor protein

Binding to chromatin "turns on" DNA Transcription of mRNA which is used to direct the

synthesis of other proteins (e.g. enzymes).

2. Why is the hypothalamus considered the master gland of t he endocrine system?

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is known as the master switchboard because it's the part of the

brain that controls the endocrine system. The pituitary gland, which hangs by a thin stalk

from the hypothalamus, is called the master gland of the body because it regulates the

activity of the endocrine glands. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in many

important functions, including: releasing hormones, regulating body temperature,

maintaining daily physiological cycles, controlling appetite, managing of sexual behavior

and regulating emotional responses.

GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

1. As a group, discuss the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the purpose of it. What

happens when the hormone levels are altered? Prepare a diagram to show how this

system works.

The HPA axis, which has traditionally been seen as the body's "stress system", and

which ultimately controls levels of cortisol and other important stress related hormones,

is generally underactive in people suffering from CFS and burnout. New research is

beginning to show that the HPA axis should instead be thought of as the body's energy

regulator, as it is ultimately responsible for regulating many of the hormones, nervous

system activity and energy expenditure in the human body, as well as modulating the
 immune system and the digestive system. In CFS and burnout the HPA axis tends to be

underactive, which likely in many of the various physical and mental symptoms

associated with these conditions.

Endocrine Response to Stress

Any stress lasting longer than a few minutes results in increased levels of cortisol being released

from the adrenal cortex. The release of cortisol is controlled by the paraventricular nucleus

(PVN) of the hypothalamus, where corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released in

response to the stress. CRH then acts on the pituitary gland, causing it to release

adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which in turn causes the adrenal cortex to release

cortisol.
 Citation

James Norman MD, F., 2020. Introduction To Endocrinology & Endocrine Surgery. [online]

EndocrineWeb. Available at: <https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/introduction-

endocrinology-endocrine-surgery> [Accessed 12 March 2020].