Adrenal cortex steroid hormones

Induces adrenal growth adrenal cortex steroid hormone production]... 

Corticosteroids are hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex. These hormones arise from the cortex of the adrenal gland and are made from the crystalline steroid alcohol cholesterol. Synthetic forms of the natural adrenal cortical hormones are available The potent antiinflammatory action of the corticosteroids makes these drugs useful in the treatment of many types of musculoskeletal disorders. The corticosteroids are discussed in Chapter 50. 

Adrenocorticotropic hormone 39 Stimulates production of adrenal cortex steroids (cortisol and costicosterone). 

Adrenocorticotropic hormone Adrenal cortex Steroid production... 

The monogenic control of interstrain differences in corticosteroid control was observed in a number of cases (Badr and Spickett, 1965). There are known defects of synthesis of adrenal cortex steroids. These are caused by recessive autosomal genes with clinical expression in homozygotes (Prader et al., 1962). It was demonstrated, also, that the individual differences in response to a stress irritant are genetically determined. This occurs because of differences in the levels of hormone production and use (Hamburg and Kessler, 1967). 

Besides being a structural component, cholesterol also serves the organism as a starting material for the synthesis of numerous other steroids such as bile acids, the steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex, sex hormones, and vitamin D. Intestinal bacteria reduce cholesterol to coprostanol, in which rings A and B are ds. 

Cortisone is a hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. As with other adrenal corticoid steroids, administration of cortisone leads to an increased deposition of liver glycogen. Tt can remove features of rheumatoid arthritis, but does not check the underlying disease it is used in various diseases of the eye, and is an antiallergic and anlifibroplastic agent. 

Steroids are synthetic products of cholesterol [57-88-5]. The chemical stmcture of a steroid hormone is determined by sequential enzymatic processing of the cholesterol molecule. Steroid products differ among steroid-secreting glands because of differences in enzyme processing, eg, the production of estrogen by the ovary requires enzymatic steps that do not occur in the adrenal cortex. 

The adrenal cortex produces steroidal hormones that are associated with carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, electrolyte balance, and gonadal functions (58). One of these, cortisone [53-06-5] ( ) demonstrated a remarkable ability to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory conditions... 

Adrenal steroid synthesis. The adrenal cortex consists of three histologically distinct zones the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and an innermost layer called the zona reticularis. Each zone is responsible for production of different hormones. (17 =... 

Steroid hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex, testes, ovaries, and placenta. Synthesized from cholesterol, these hormones are lipid soluble therefore, they cross cell membranes readily and bind to receptors found intracellularly. However, because their lipid solubility renders them insoluble in blood, these hormones are transported in the blood bound to proteins. Furthermore, steroid hormones are not typically preformed and stored for future use within the endocrine gland. Because they are lipid soluble, they could diffuse out of the cells and physiological regulation of their release would not be possible. Finally, steroid hormones are absorbed easily by the gastrointestinal tract and therefore may be administered orally. 

Adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex forms the outer portion of the adrenal gland and accounts for 80 to 90% of the weight of the gland. It is the site of synthesis of many types of steroid hormones such as ... 

Cholesterol, mostly esterified, is utilized in the buildup of cell biomembranes. Besides, cholesterol is a precursor to biologically important steroid compounds bile acids (in liver), steroid hormones (in adrenal cortex, male and female sexual glands, and placenta), and vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol (in skin). 

Adrenal gland A triangle-shaped organ positioned at the top of the kidney which functions as a double endocrine gland . The larger outer adrenal cortex secretes three classes of steroid hormones glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), minerlocorticoids (aldosterone) and small amounts of sex steroids (e.g., testosterone). The inner adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines (e.g., adrenaline and noradrenaline). 

The steroid hormones known as mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids are synthesized in the adrenal cortex of mammals [3]. The physiological mineralocorticoid is... 

Adrenal cortex Glucocorticoids Mineralocorticoids Sex hormones Steroids... 

Steroid hormones are produced by only two tissue types, the adrenal cortex and the gonads. A summary of the steroid hormones is given in Table 4.2. Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol (Figure 4.2). This sterol lipid may itself be synthesized within the steroidogenic cell or it may be delivered to the cell by circulating lipoprotein complexes such as low density lipoprotein (LDL) or high density lipoprotein (HDL). 

Angiotensin II has two effects first, as a vasoconstrictor acting via receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells, and second, it stimulates the adrenal cortex gland to produce aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid steroid hormone, see Chapter 4). Aldosterone promotes the reabsorption of sodium from the renal tubule into the bloodstream and the resulting increase in osmolality (osmotic potential) of the blood causes water reabsorption in the nephrons. The outcome is an increase in blood volume and, therefore, pressure which inhibits (by negative feedback) further renin secretion from the JGA. 

This process is important for proliferating cells, in which cholesterol is reqnired for formation of new membranes, and for some endocrine cells (in the testis, ovary and adrenal cortex) for the synthesis of steroid hormones. 

The interaction between the adrenal cortex of the foetus and the placenta in production of steroid hormones is complex. In outline, the placenta produces progesterone from cholesterol (which is available from the maternal blood) whereas the foetal adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids and androgens from the progesterone produced in the placenta. The placenta then converts some of these androgens into oestrogens. The interplay between the placenta and the foetal adrenal cortex is acknowledged by the use of the term foeto-placental unit to describe steroido-... 

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