Chemical signaling

• Who is the author of the lecture on chemical signaling?

  1. Emma Reid
• What is the main topic of the lecture by Dr. Emma Reid?

  Chemical signaling
• What are the key components of the lecture overview?

  • History and scientific approach
  • Chemical communication
  • Neuroendocrine systems
  • Specificity of hormone actions
• Who were the pioneers in endocrine research mentioned in the material?

  Arnold A Berthold, William C Caldwell
• What role do hormones play according to the pioneers in endocrine research?

  Linked to behavior and effects of sex hormones
• What systems are involved in the bi-directional communication of endocrine physiology?

  • Endocrine systems
  • Central Nervous Systems
  • Sensory systems
  • Motor systems
• What is the presynaptic cell in classical neurotransmission?

  A neuron that releases neurotransmitter
• What are endocrine cells specialized for?

  Synthesis, storage, and release of hormones
• What is the role of neuroendocrine cells in the neuroendocrine system?

  • Release hormones into the bloodstream
  • Act on target cells distant from the CNS
• How do hormones travel in the body?

  Via the bloodstream to every cell
• Where are hormone receptors located?

  Cell membrane or cytoplasm
• What are the main CNS glands involved in endocrine signaling?

  • Hypothalamus
  • Pituitary Gland
  • Pineal Gland
• What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

  Controls homeostasis and body systems
• What does the anterior pituitary gland release?

  Hormones into the circulatory system
• What hormone does Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) stimulate?

  Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• What are the two neuropeptides released from the posterior pituitary gland?

  Vasopressin and oxytocin
• What are the functions of vasopressin and oxytocin?

  • Vasopressin: water balance & blood pressure
  • Oxytocin: lactation & uterine contraction
• What is the role of Leydig cells in the testes?

  Produce testosterone in response to LH
• What do Sertoli cells respond to?

  Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• What hormones are produced by the mature follicle in females?

  • Androstenedione from theca cells
  • Estrogen from granulosa cells
• What does TSH stimulate in the thyroid gland?

  Release of T3 and T4 hormones
• What are the two parts of the adrenal gland?

  Adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex
• What does the adrenal cortex respond to?

  ACTH from the anterior pituitary
• What hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex and medulla?

  • Cortex: glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
  • Medulla: epinephrine/norepinephrine (adrenaline)
• What is the role of pinealocytes?

  Produce melatonin for sleep/wake cycle
• How do melatonin levels change throughout the day?

  Low during the day, high at night
• What is the effect of oxytocin on myoepithelial cells?

  • Induces contraction leading to milk letdown
• What is the major precursor for steroid hormones?

  • Cholesterol
• What determines which hormones can be synthesized from cholesterol?

  The specific enzymes produced by endocrine cells
• What governs most sex differences in hormone production?

  Aromatase levels and distribution
• What are the functions of the medial preoptic nucleus and ventromedial nucleus?

  • Medial preoptic nucleus: reproductive behavior in males
  • Ventromedial nucleus: reproductive behavior in females, energy balance
• What is the role of hormone receptors?

  Provide target specificity for hormones
• Where is the medial preoptic nucleus a target for sex steroids?

  In the hypothalamus
• Which gland secretes oxytocin?

  Posterior pituitary gland
• Which statement about the adrenal medulla is incorrect?

  Produces mineralocorticoid in response to ACTH