Endocrine System

Endocrine glands secrete hormones

Chemical Types of Hormones
Lipid based (Two types)
o Steroid derivatives
i.e. estrogen, testosterone, etc.
o Eicosanoids
i.e. prostaglandins
Amino Acid based (Three types)
o Tryptophan
i.e. melatonin
o Tyrosine
i.e. thyroid hormones T3, T4
o Catecholamine
i.e. epinephrine, norepinephrine
Polypeptide based
o i.e. insulin
It is important to know the chemical make up because it will
affect how they work.
For hormones to have affect on the target, they need receptors.
o This is why certain hormones work with only certain cells
Mechanism of Action
Second Messenger Mechanism
o There are multiple, but we will go over two
cAMP
Hormone binds to receptor on cell membrane
G Protein Activated
Activated G protein will activate an enzyme
known as Adenylate cyclase
Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP
cAMP activates protein kinases within the cell
Calcium IB
Hormone binds to receptor on cell membrane
G Protein Activated
Activated G protein will activate an enzyme
known as Phospholipase
Phospholipase will convert lipids in cell
membrane to DAG, and IP3
o DAG Diacyleglycerate
o IP3 Inositol triphosphate
IP3 causes calcium levels in cytoplasm to
increase by opening calcium channels in the ER
& cell membrane

DAG activates protein kinases

Calcium is the second messenger activating
various enzymes
o Direct Gene Activation
Hormone enters the cell
Hormone bind to receptors inside the cytoplasm or
nucleus
Receptor/Hormone complex or combination will
attach to a certain part of DNA and activate a gene
Transcriptions, translation is initiated
New protein formed which affect cell metabolic
activities
Lipid based. And thyroid hormones will do
direct gene activation
***Second messenger mechanism is faster than Direct Gene Activation
because everything is there already. ***
Control of Release (ways?)
Humoral Stimulus
o i.e. ions like calcium & sodium, as well as glucose, can
influence the plasma
Hormonal Stimulus
o There are three hormonal
Hypothalamus gland releases TRH (Thyrotopin
release hormone)
Stimulates the pituitary
Pituitary gland releases TSH (thyroid stimulating
hormone)
Stimulates thyroid
Thyroid releases T3 & T4
Neural Stimulus
o Sympathetic neurons directly goes to adrenal medulla to
secrete epinephrine & norepinephrine
Hormone Interactions how hormones affect the targets (3
things to look at)
Antagonism two hormones work opposite from each other
o One cause raise, one can inhibit, vice versa
i.e. parathyroid hormone raises calcium, calcitonin
lowers calcium
Synergistic Hormones having similar effect
o i.e. hormone A raising glucose; Hormone B also raises
glucose
A+B together are not simply adding the individual
effects, but MUCH MORE greater effect when
together

Permissiveness One hormone must be present for another to

have an effect, or it will not work alone.
Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis)
Anterior Lobe (Adenohypohysis) Comes from epithelial;
Connected to hypothalamus by blood vessels. (These set of
blood vessels are called the hypophyseal portal system)
Posterior Lobe (Neuropophysis) Comes from lower part of brain;
directly connected to hypothalamus by tracts (collection of
axons; part of a neuron); only stores and releases hormones
does not produce it
Post
Oxytocin stimulate uterine contractions; initiates milk ejection
Antidiuretic Stimulates kidney tubule calls to absorb water
Ant
Growth Stimulate somatic growth; metabolize fats; spares
glucose
Thyroid-Stimulating stimulates thyroid gland to release thyroid
hormones
Adrenocorticotropic Promotes release of glucocorticoids &
androgens
Follicle-Stimulating Stimulates ovarian follicles maturation &
estrogen production; Stimulates sperm production
Luteinizing Triggers ovulation & stimulates ovarian production
of estrogen & Progesterone; Promotes testosterone production
Prolactin Promotes lactation
Thyroid Gland
Two lobes left & right
Isthmus
Sac-like structures called follicles
Colloid
Follicular cells
Cells in between them parafollicular cells
Thyroxin Increase cellular metabolism
Parathyroid hormone increases calcium levels; in the back of
the thyroid
Pancreas
In the abdomen
Clusters of cells inside pancreas
o Known as pancreatic islets pinkish area
Alpha produce glucagon increases blood glucose

Beta Produce insulin decreases blood glucose

Adrenal Glands (Supra Renal)

On top of kidneys
o Parts:
Cortex (outside)
Medulla (inside) Produces epilnorepi
Layers of Cortex
Layer
Category
Glomerulosa
Mineralocorticoi
ds
Fasiculata
Glucocorticoids
Resticularis

Gonadocortiods

Example
Aldosterone
Cortisol
Estrogen;
Testosterone

Action
Maintain Na/K
levels
Gluconeogenesi
s
Sex drive &
Reproduction