Disorders of the Endocrine System

Problems/Case Studies

 "A Case of a Pheochromocytoma" David F. Dean, Spring Hill College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
Pheochromocytomas are functional neoplasms arising from the medulla of the adrenal gland. The cells of the adrenal medulla normally secrete hormones classified as catecholamines in response to stimulation by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system during a “fight-or-flight” response. The cells comprising pheochromocytomas secrete catecholamines in an unregulated and excessive fashion. The symptoms produced by such neoplasms directly relate to the effects of catecholamines on target tissues. Thus, the educational benefit of studying such a disease state is to reinforce an understanding of the effects that catecholamines normally have upon target cells during activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
Prior to preparing and discussing this case, students must have an understanding of the functional relationship between the hypothalamus and the adrenal medulla. In addition, they should have a general knowledge of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, and the role each plays in maintaining body homeostasis.
The case has been used in both a sophomore-level course in human anatomy and physiology and a senior-level course in general physiology.

"A Case of Diabetes Insipidus" David F. Dean, Spring Hill College. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is produced by cells in the hypothalamus of the brain and stored and released from the posterior pituitary gland in response to rising plasma osmolarity (dehydration). Upon release, ADH travels to the kidneys, where it increases the permeability of cells lining the distal portion of the nephron, thus increasing the reabsorption of water into the circulation and reducing plasma osmolarity back toward normal. Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which ADH is unavailable to regulate plasma water volume, and therefore osmolarity. The disease results in increased frequency of urination due to an inability to produce a concentrated urine.
Before attempting to answer the questions associated with the case, students should review the anatomic and functional relationship between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary gland, as well as the basic mechanism by which body water balance is maintained.
The case has been used in a sophomore-level course in human anatomy and physiology as well as in senior-level course in general physiology.

CNN Video Clips
Topic: "Religion and Health": Biology 8th Ed. CNN Ed 2004 (2:09)
Andrew Newburg, of the University of Pennsylvania, is using brain-imaging techniques to study what happens to the brain during deep meditation or prayer. Comparing subjects’ brains before and during these activities shows both activate the brain’s frontal lobe, while dampening activity in the area that provides a sense of self. Meditation also triggers changes in the hypothalamus, which can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and release of hormones, including cortisol. Newburg says that while his studies suggest that meditation and prayer could be good for health, he would not advise patients to engage in these activities solely for the health benefits. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic:  "Fat Hormone": Genetics 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00)