Learning objectives
The course aims at facilitating the comprehension of the main mechanisms characterizing the hormonal regulation of the body homeostasis. Besides the general features of the endocrine function such as hormone-receptor reaction, negative feedback, synthesis-storage-secretion-transport of the hormones, a few examples are presented of the neuroendocrine axis organization (e.g.: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal). Moreover, the complex handling of the organism efficiency operated by the endocrine system will be illustrated showing the adaptive capacity in different environmental stress conditions
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
General overview on the endocrine system
Hypothalamus
Posterior pituitary (vasopressin and oxitocin)
Anterior pituitary (growth hormone, prolactin, corticotropin, tiroptropin, follicule stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone)
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (CRH, ACTH, corticosteroids)
Sympathetic - adrenomedullary system (catecholamines)
Neuroendocrinology of stress response
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (GnRH, FSH, LH, sex steroids)
Endocrinology of reproductive function
Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis
Endocrine pancreas
Full programme
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Bibliography
- P.R. Larsen, et al. Williams textbook of Endocrinology. Saunders Co. 2003
Teaching methods
Traditional frontal lessons
Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination
Other information
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