Reference no: EM133223156

1. When analyzing Alexy's MRI, the doctor determined the microadenoma was located in the part of the pituitary gland associated with endocrine function. Is this the anterior or posterior pituitary gland?

2. In the space below, draw a flow chart of the normal physiology associated with the hypothalamus:pituitary growth hormone axis. Make sure to include all endocrine organs, hormones, target tissues and response of the target tissues.

3. Alexy's microadenoma resulted in an increase in growth hormone concentrations in the blood during adulthood. This condition is called acromegaly (akron - extremity, mega - large or great). Using the drawing or flow chart you created above, what are three possible outcomes from the increase in the hormone? Please list the targets and the response.

4. If untreated, will Alexy demonstrate a higher than normal height? Explain your answer below.

5. If untreated, will Alexy demonstrate an increase in appositional or interstitial bone growth? Explain your answer below and relate it to the previous question.

Treatment for microadenomas include removal of the tumor (typically via endoscopic surgery through the nasal cavity) or pharmacological agents if surgery is not possible. In normal physiology, somatostatin (or GH-inhibiting hormone) is released from the hypothalamus and limits GH release from pituitary cells. Octreotide is a drug that mimics somatostatin.

6. Growth hormone, somatostatin and IGF-1 are all protein hormones. Where would you expect to find the receptor for these hormones within target cells and why

7. Octreotide is not a protein; however, it binds to and activates the same receptors on pituitary cells as somatostatin. If Alexy begins treatment with octreotide, what will happen to the GH and IGF-1 concentrations in his blood?