Endocrine System Pharmacology Flashcards
7 cards from real Pharmacology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Endocrine System Pharmacology flashcards as text
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g., acarbose) lower postprandial blood glucose by:
Answer: Delaying carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption in the intestine
Acarbose competitively inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase enzymes, slowing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and blunting postprandial glucose spikes.
Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion by:
Answer: Closing ATP-sensitive K+ channels, causing beta cell depolarization
Sulfonylureas bind the SUR1 subunit of KATP channels, closing them and causing beta cell membrane depolarization that triggers insulin release.
Radioactive iodine (I-131) treats hyperthyroidism by:
Answer: Destroying overactive thyroid tissue via beta radiation
I-131 is concentrated by thyroid follicular cells and emits beta radiation that selectively destroys thyroid tissue, permanently reducing hormone production.
Insulin glargine (Lantus) achieves its prolonged, relatively peakless action because:
Answer: It forms microprecipitates at physiological pH after subcutaneous injection
Glargine is formulated at acidic pH but forms microcrystalline precipitates when injected into neutral subcutaneous tissue, releasing insulin slowly and steadily over 24 hours.
The most serious cardiovascular adverse effect associated with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) is:
Answer: Fluid retention and exacerbation of heart failure
TZDs (e.g., pioglitazone) activate PPARγ, promoting sodium and water retention that can precipitate or worsen congestive heart failure, contraindicating their use in cardiac patients.
The first-line treatment for acute severe hypercalcemia (hypercalcemic crisis) is:
Answer: IV normal saline followed by furosemide
IV saline corrects volume depletion and dilutes serum calcium, while furosemide promotes calciuresis, making this combination the immediate first-line management for hypercalcemic crisis.
Cinacalcet treats secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease by:
Answer: Acting as a calcimimetic that sensitizes CaSR to suppress PTH secretion
Cinacalcet allosterically activates the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) on parathyroid cells, making them respond as if serum calcium is higher, thereby suppressing PTH secretion.