Adrenocorticoid metabolism

Adrenal glands are small monnds of tissue located at the top of each kidney. The outer layer of the gland, the adrenal cortex, produces a number of potent steroid hormones, the adrenocorticoids. They are classified into two groups according to function Mineralocor-ticoids regulate the concentration of ions (mainly Na ) in body fluids, and glucocorticoids enhance carbohydrate metabolism. 

Cholesterol is a white, water-insoluble, waxy solid found in blood plasma and in all animal tissues. This substance is an integral part of human metabolism in two ways (1) It is an essential component of biological membranes. The body of a healthy adult contains approximately 140 g of cholesterol, about 120 g of which is present in membranes. Membranes of the central and peripheral nervous systems, for example, contain about 10% cholesterol by weight. (2) It is the compound from which sex hormones, adrenocorticoid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D are synthesized. Thus, cholesterol is, in a sense, the parent steroid. 

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