Adrenal androgens structure

The THEiTHF + 5aTHF ratio is commonly greater than 15 in these disorders, the opposite to AME syndrome. While the ratio of saturated steroids demonstrates a high 11-oxo l 1/1-hydroxy ratio, this is not the case for steroids retaining a - -4-ene structure. The F E ratio is normal or elevated (i.e., > 1 Table 5.3.9). Steroid profile analysis also typically reveals an elevated excretion of DHEA and other androgen metabolites. Clearly the excessive ACTH production resultant from an apparent cortisol deficiency is responsible for the elevated adrenal androgen production, which in turn is responsible for female virilization and other manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome. 

Steroids isolated from the adrenal glands include the corticosteroids and adrenal androgens. Their chemical structure and how they are synthesized and transported are discussed in this section. 

Male Hormones. The androgenic hormones produced in Ihe testes land adrenal gland t have a w idespread effect upon the development of secondary sexual characteristics (musculature, facial hair, larynx, etc. I. as well as upon the sexual organs and responses themselves. They also promote anabolism tu a marked degree by their effect upon nitrogen and calcium metabolism. The structure of testosterone is shown in the Tahle I. 

This deficiency is rare and was first described by Bongiovanni in 1961 (B27) and later in greater detail (B31). It is always associated with salt loss, and, as treatment with corticosteroids has little beneficial effect, it is almost invariably fatal. Due to the severity of the enzyme block in the production of androgens by the testes in early embryonic life, incomplete function of the genital structures is frequent in male infants, whereas females may be slightly virilized, possibly due to excessive production of the weak androgen DHA. The enzyme 3j8-HSD has been shown to be absent from adrenal and testicular tissues obtained from infants with this disorder (G3). 

Infrared spectroscopy has been applied in identifying and determining the structures of steroids isolated from natural sources, for example, testis, ovary, placenta, adrenal cortex, bile, and blood. The technique has been used to identify compounds along the biosynthetic routes of, for example, cholesterol, pregnenolone, androgens, adrenal hormones, aldosterone, and estrogens. 

Some of the most important steroid derivatives are the steroid icohols, or sterols. Other steroids include the bile acids, which aid digestion of fats in the intestine the sex hormones ( androgens and oestrogens) and the corticosteroid hormones, produced by the adrenal cortex. Vitamin D is also based on the steroid structure. 

Androgens a group of male gonadal hormones, including testosterone, androsterone and androsteno-lone, which are formed in the intermediary cells of the testes tissue, and a number of less active A. produced in the adrenal cortex, e.g. androstenedione and adrenosterone (Fig.). Since A. are precursors of Estrogens (see), they are also synthesized in the ovaries and fetoplacental unit. At present more than 30 naturally occurring A. are known, all structurally related to the parent hydrocarbon, androstane (see Steroids). 

Androstenolone. d ydroepiandrosterone, 3fi-hy-dmxyattdrosl-S-ene-17-dione an androgen less potent than testosterone, but with similar physiological effects. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosterone in the adrenal cortex. For structure and biosynthesis, see Androgens. 

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