Hormonal preparations, their synthetic substitutes, and antagonists
54 topics with brief summaries: definitions, key facts, and classroom questions.
Welcome to one of the most extensive and clinically significant sections of pharmacology. Here we examine hormone preparations, their synthetic analogues, and antagonists—tools that allow precise control of the endocrine system, from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to peripheral receptors.
The section covers the entire spectrum of endocrine pharmacology. We will study hypothalamic and pituitary hormone preparations, treatments for thyroid disorders, and calcium balance regulators. A massive block is dedicated to diabetes mellitus therapy: from insulins to oral hypoglycemic agents (biguanides, sulfonylureas, incretin mimetics, and glinides). Steroid hormones are analyzed in detail: potent glucocorticoids (prednisolone, dexamethasone), mineralocorticoids, as well as sex hormones (estrogens, progestogens, androgens), and various types of hormonal contraception.
Pharmacology and clinical departments are especially strict regarding the mechanisms of action of steroid hormones, the side effects of long-term glucocorticoid therapy, and algorithms for selecting antidiabetic drugs. Be sure to pay attention to the differences between generations of oral contraceptives, the principles of action of antiandrogens and antithyroid agents. Study thoughtfully—this knowledge is essential for a physician of any specialty.
The drug is prescribed strictly twice daily. This is directly related to its duration of action, which is about 12 hours—twice-daily administration ensures round-the-clock control.
What is the common mechanism of action of mitotane and aminoglutethimide?
Both substances block the early stage of steroidogenesis — the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. This leads to a general decrease in the production of all hormonally active steroids.
Why are progestogens strictly added to estrogens in HRT?
Progestogens are essential for endometrial protection. They suppress the proliferative action of estrogens, thereby preventing the development of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
What is the fundamental difference between estradiol and ethinylestradiol?
Estradiol is a natural (native) female sex hormone. In turn, ethinylestradiol is its synthetic analogue, which is characterized by maximum activity and serves as the basic component for combined oral contraceptives.
To which class of steroids does testosterone belong based on the number of carbon atoms?
It is classified as a $C_{19}$-steroid, as the basic framework of its molecule consists of exactly 19 carbon atoms.
What is the main difference in the administration regimen of flutamide and bicalutamide?
Flutamide (Flutamide) must be taken 3 times a day, whereas bicalutamide (Bicalutamide) is prescribed only once a day.
Master the entire topic in the «Pharmacology» course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
5,304 pages of study guides on all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium