Introduction to Endocrine physiology

1
Tutorial 1

• Introduction to Endocrine physiology

2
Case 1

• History
• Salma is a 35 year old lady presented to her
  doctor with the following symptoms intolerance
  to cold, decrease in appetite with increase in
  weight. Her doctor suspected that she may have
  hypothyroidism and requested blood test for some
  hormones level.
• Q1 What does hypothyroidism mean?
• Q2 What do we mean by primary and secondary
  dysfunction of a gland?
• Q3 What are the hormones required to be tested
  in thyroid dysfunction?
• Q4 If she has normal hypothalamus and pituitary
  gland, what do you think her TSH level will be
  in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Why?

3
Case 1 (cont.)

• Blood test confirmed that she has hypothyroidism.
  100 microgram thyroxine was prescribed to her.
  She was asked to come after 3 months to repeat
  blood test.
• Knowing that thyroxine is lipid-soluble hormone
• Q1. what is the route of administration?
• Q2. How are lipid-soluble hormones transported in
• blood?
• Q3. Where in the cell are the receptors located?
• Q4. Why was she asked to come for repeated blood
• after 3 months and not few days?

4
Case 1 (cont.)

• In her next visit, she complained of palpitation.
  Her heart rate was found to be 120 b/min.
• Q1. What is the explanation for her symptom?

5
Case 2

• Salem is 33 year old who presented to his doctor
  with symptoms and signs suggestive of Cushings
  syndrome (cortisol hypersecretion). His doctor
  told hem that he need to admit for some hormonal
  investigation.
• Q1.From which gland is cortisol secreted?
• Q2. Why does he need to be admitted?
• Q3. What is circadian rhythm?