Case Studies

February 28, 2014

Case Study:

Chemical Eric: Dealing With the

Disintegration of Central Control

February 28, 2014

Part 1 Questions:

1. What hormonal problem could be

causing these symptoms?

2. Why would joint damage be associated

with rapid growth and low testosterone

levels?

*Answer these with your partner.

February 28, 2014

What Do We Think? (#1)

February 28, 2014

The Pituitary

• Most tumors occur as a result of a mutation in a

pituitary cell.

• Tumor could turn on genetic signal that makes GH

to keep dividing. This is probably what Eric had since

his GH was high, and the others were low.

February 28, 2014

Pituitary

tumors are

difficult to

treat, because

they are

surrounded by

bone, arteries,

the optic

nerve is in the

way, plus the

brain!

February 28, 2014

Anterior Pituitary: manufactures and

releases a wide variety of hormones!

Ex) GH, endorphins, etc.

Posterior Pituitary: releases oxytocin

and antidiuretic hormone, produced

in the hypothalamus.

February 28, 2014

What Do We Think? (#2)

February 28, 2014

• Testosterone actually hardens off the

ends of the bones, and growing quickly

stresses the production of bone tissue=

Joint Damage!

February 28, 2014

Part II Questions

1. Should Dr. Kidd tell Eric that he is

probably sterile? Why would he be

sterile?

2. Is there anything that they should try

to do to simulate spermatogenesis? Why

is the absence of facial hair important?

(Hint- LH hormone? FSH hormone?)

*Answer with your partner

February 28, 2014

What Do We Think? (#1)

February 28, 2014

• LH tells the testes to

secrete sex hormones

that drive the

development of

secondary sex

characteristics and

produce testosterone.

• FSH stimulates sperm

production.

February 28, 2014

What Do We Think? (#2)

February 28, 2014

Part III Questions

1. Why was he growing facial hair?

2. Why did he need jaw surgery?

*Answer these with your partner.

February 28, 2014

What Do We Think? (#1)

February 28, 2014

• Use of hCG caused the release of...