Hypothalamic Hormone Analogs and Antagonists
Start with the big picture
A central distinction in this topic is the difference between stimulating and suppressing hormone activity. GnRH agonists can increase LH and FSH when given in pulses, but continuous administration suppresses these hormones and reduces gonadal steroid synthesis; GnRH antagonists suppress LH and FSH directly. Somatostatin analogs inhibit several hormones, while GHRH analogs stimulate growth-hormone release or serve specific clinical purposes. Dopamine agonists reduce prolactin, whereas dopamine antagonists can raise it. The lesson also introduces corticorelin for distinguishing pituitary from ectopic ACTH-related Cushing syndromes and protirelin as a rarely used TSH and prolactin stimulant. Key adverse effects and clinical applications help distinguish these classes.
What you'll learn
- Compare pulsatile and continuous GnRH agonist effects with GnRH antagonist effects.
- Identify the hormones inhibited by somatostatin analogs and the uses described for these agents.
- Contrast dopamine agonists and antagonists by their effects on prolactin.
- Recognize diagnostic roles described for CRH and TRH analogs.
- Identify notable adverse effects associated with the major drug classes.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
