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].
