Endocrine glands produce hormones released into the blood and are ductless. Exocrine glands produce non-hormonal substances like sweat and have ducts to carry secretions to membrane surfaces.
Three types of chemical messengers
Hormones travel long distances in blood or lymph. Autocrines affect the same cells that secrete them. Paracrines affect nearby cells locally.
Two main classes of hormones by chemical composition
1. Amino acid–based hormones (water soluble) including peptides and proteins. 2. Steroid hormones (lipid soluble) synthesized from cholesterol.
How do hormones affect target cells?
Hormones alter cell activity by changing membrane permeability, stimulating enzyme synthesis, activating/deactivating enzymes, inducing secretion, or stimulating mitosis.
Mechanism of action for water-soluble hormones
Bind to plasma membrane receptors, activate G protein, which activates adenylate cyclase to convert ATP to cAMP, a second messenger that activates protein kinases.
Mechanism of action for lipid-soluble hormones
Diffuse into target cells, bind intracellular receptors, receptor-hormone complex enters nucleus, binds DNA, initiates transcription and protein synthesis.
Three stimuli that control hormone release
1. Humoral stimulus: changes in blood levels of ions/nutrients. 2. Neural stimulus: nerve fibers stimulate hormone release. 3. Hormonal stimulus: hormones stimulate other endocrine glands.
What is up-regulation and down-regulation of hormone receptors?
Up-regulation: target cells form more receptors when hormone levels are low. Down-regulation: prolonged exposure to hormone decreases receptor numbers, reducing sensitivity.
Types of hormone interactions at target cells
Permissiveness: one hormone needs another to have full effect. Synergism: combined hormones have greater effect. Antagonism: one hormone opposes another.
Role of the hypothalamus in pituitary relationships
Hypothalamic neurons synthesize ADH and oxytocin transported to posterior pituitary for storage and release; hypothalamus also secretes releasing/inhibiting hormones to anterior pituitary.
Negative vs positive feedback in hormone regulation
Negative feedback reduces original stimulus by hormone action. Positive feedback enhances the original stimulus, e.g., oxytocin during labor.
Function of oxytocin
Stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection; promotes affection and well-being feelings.
Function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Reduces urine production and increases urine concentration by promoting water reabsorption in kidneys.
Follicular cells produce thyroglobulin; iodide is oxidized to iodine; iodine attaches to thyroglobulin forming MIT and DIT; MIT and DIT combine to form T3 and T4 hormones.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) functions
Increases blood calcium by activating osteoclasts, enhancing kidney calcium reabsorption, and promoting vitamin D activation for intestinal calcium absorption.
Zones and hormones of the adrenal cortex
Zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), zona fasciculata produces glucocorticoids (cortisol), zona reticularis produces gonadocorticoids (androgens).
How aldosterone regulates blood pressure
Stimulated by low blood pressure or high potassium, aldosterone increases sodium retention and potassium excretion in kidneys, raising blood volume and pressure.
Metabolic effects of cortisol
Promotes gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, fat mobilization, and protein catabolism to increase blood glucose and fuel availability.
Short-term stress response hormones and effects
Sympathetic stimulation causes adrenal medulla to release epinephrine and norepinephrine, increasing heart rate, vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and blood glucose.
Long-term stress response (HPA axis)
Hypothalamus releases CRH → anterior pituitary releases ACTH → adrenal cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone, sustaining stress response and increasing blood glucose and volume.
Pancreas endocrine functions
Pancreatic islets contain alpha cells producing glucagon and beta cells producing insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.
Insulin effects on target tissues
Promotes glycogenesis, lipogenesis, protein synthesis, and glucose uptake in most body cells; inhibits glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
Glucagon effects when blood glucose is low
Stimulates glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glucose release from the liver to raise blood glucose levels.
Role of the thymus in the endocrine system
Releases thymic hormones that act as paracrines to facilitate T lymphocyte development for immune function.