Definition of Androgens: Androgens are male sex hormones responsible for developing and maintaining male characteristics. The primary endogenous androgen is testosterone. Physiological Roles: Produced mainly by Leydig cells in the testes and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal cortex. Regulate development of male secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, and libido. Exhibit anabolic effects: Promote protein … Read more
Corticosteroids: Used to treat inflammation, allergies, and adrenal insufficiency. Corticosteroids are divided into two main categories based on their primary activity: Glucocorticoids Major Hormone: Cortisol (hydrocortisone). Effects: Metabolic: ↑ Gluconeogenesis, ↑ blood glucose, protein catabolism, lipolysis. Anti-inflammatory/Immunosuppressive: Inhibit phospholipase A2, ↓ cytokine and antibody production. Pharmacologic Agents: Short-acting: Intermediate-acting: Prednisone, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone. Long-acting: Dexamethasone, Betamethasone. … Read more
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Used diagnostically in adrenal insufficiency and therapeutically in some inflammatory diseases. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other glucocorticoids. Physiology: Produced by the anterior pituitary, ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids (cortisol) and, to a lesser extent, mineralocorticoids. ACTH Analogues: Synthetic ACTH (e.g., Cosyntropin): Uses: Diagnostic … Read more
Glucagon: A peptide hormone that raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver. Glucagon: Used in emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia and as a diagnostic aid. Physiology: Secreted by α-cells of the pancreas in response to low blood glucose. Increases blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. Glucagons (e.g., glucagon … Read more
Oral Hypoglycemic (Antidiabetic) Agents: Include sulfonylureas, biguanides, gliptins, gliflozins, and others. Oral Hypoglycemic (Antidiabetic) Agents: Lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin action or secretion. These agents are primarily used in type 2 diabetes to enhance insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, or reduce glucose production. Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide): Mechanism: Stimulate pancreatic … Read more
Hormones Regulating Plasma Calcium Levels – PTH, Calcitonin, Vitamin D maintain calcium homeostasis. Hormones Regulating Plasma Calcium Levels regulate calcium absorption, reabsorption, and bone resorption. Calcium homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of PTH, calcitonin, and vitamin D, each of which can be targeted pharmacologically. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/ Parathormone Physiology: Secreted by parathyroid chief cells … Read more
Definition of Insulin: Insulin therapy is indispensable for type 1 diabetes and may be required in advanced type 2 diabetes. Physiology: Produced by β-cells of the pancreas; released in response to increased blood glucose. Lowers blood glucose by facilitating glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Types of Insulin: … Read more
Thyroid Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors include levothyroxine, liothyronine, and antithyroid drugs. Thyroid Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors regulate metabolism and treat thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolism, growth, and development. Pharmacological manipulation of these hormones is essential in treating various thyroid disorders. Thyroid Hormones: T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) Synthesis: … Read more
Anterior Pituitary Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors include GnRH analogues and dopamine agonists. Anterior Pituitary Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors regulate growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Physiology of the Anterior Pituitary The anterior pituitary secretes several key hormones regulated by hypothalamic-releasing and inhibiting factors. Hormones Produced: Growth Hormone (GH) Prolactin Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) … Read more
Basic Concepts in Endocrine Pharmacology: Involves receptor binding, feedback, and drug interactions. Basic Concepts in Endocrine Pharmacology is the Study of hormone action, synthesis, and regulation. Endocrine System Overview Definition: The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress … Read more
