Hormone Synthesis and Action

Endocrine glands

Ductless/cells that secrete hormone.

Regulating: metabolism, homeostasis and reproduction

• TYPES

Axis:

• The functional grouping of endocrine glands. Eg. Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.

Hormones:

• 3 Groups
• Tissue specific and cell specific expression of genes → specific enzymes responsible for hormone synthesis.
• Lipid-soluble hormones require carrier proteins for transport within blood. Improves water solubility, Half-life, allows for storage within blood. Eg. Thyroid Binding Globulin, Cortisol Binding Globulin, Albumin.
• Site of Action:

Disorders:

Excess Vs Deficiency

Excess - Excise gland/block production. Often tumours.

Deficiency - Supplement hormones

Pharmacology Intro

Terms

• Agonist: Bind to a receptor to produce a response. Depends on Affinity (binding attraction/strength) and Efficacy (magnitude of effect caused).

  Eg Acetylcholine, Histamine. (endogenous)

• Antagonist: Bind to a receptor to prevent a response/effect. Has Affinity but NO EFFICACY. Antagonist = Inhibitor.

  May be Competitive, Irreversible(non-comp), other. Eg, Atropine, Mepyramine(anti-histamine)

  • Competitive
  • Non-Competitive - Irreversible