Functionalized hormones

Biochemical studies conducted by Bush and coworkers [4,5] suggested that cortisol (hydrocortisone), the 1 1//-hydroxy analogue of cortisone, is the functional hormone and that cortisone owes its biological activity to enzymic conversion to cortisol in vivo. Therefore, the first chemical synthesis of cortisol was an important achievement This was accomplished by Wendler et al. [6] in 1950, and an improved synthesis was described by Wendler, Huang Minion, and Tishler [7] during the following year. 

Gorden P, Weintraub B. Radioreceptor and other functional hormone assays. In Wilson JD, Foster DW,... 

Lipids perform a variety of physiological functions. Triacylglycerols are used for energy storage and metabolic fuel. Phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol (a steroid) are structural components of cell membranes. Nonhydrolyzable lipids perform a variety of regulatory functions (hormones, vitamins). 

Iodide ion has long been known to be essential to thyroid gland function. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland contain iodine and are responsible for growth, development, and maintenance of all body tissues. If there is a deficiency of iodine, the thyroid glands can become extremely enlarged, a condition called goiter. The routine use of iodized salt (0.1% potassium iodide) is the best way to ensure adequate iodine in the diet. More than half the table salt sold in the United States is iodized, and the use of such salt is mandatory in some countries. 

In order that the genetically determined vertebrate sex may develop to maturity and function, hormones elaborated by the germinal glands are necessary. These are sometimes termed the secondary sexual hormones to distinguish them from the primary sexual autacoids responsible for the sex of the embryo, which at the present time is beyond the scope of experimental control. The... 

Many compounds contain more than one functional group Prostaglandin Ei a hormone that regulates the relaxation of smooth muscles con tains two different kinds of carbonyl groups Classify each one (aldehyde ketone carboxylic acid ester amide acyl chloride or acid anhydride) Identify the most acidic proton in prostaglandin Ei and use Table 1 7 to estimate its pK ... 

As we have seen in this chapter steroids have a number of functions in human physiology Cholesterol is a component part of cell mem branes and is found in large amounts in the brain Derivatives of cholic acid assist the digestion of fats in the small intestine Cortisone and its derivatives are involved in maintaining the electrolyte balance in body fluids The sex hormones responsible for mascu line and feminine characteristics as well as numerous aspects of pregnancy from conception to birth are steroids... 

Each component of blood has a function ia the body. Red cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and cells ia the tissues. White cells function as defense of the body. Platelets are important for hemostasis, ie, the maintenance of vascular iategrity. Plasma, an aqueous solution containing various proteias and fatty acids, transports cells, food, and hormones throughout the body. Some proteias ia plasma play a role ia clotting, others are messengers between cells. 

Table 1. Hormones of the Anterior Pituitary and Their Functions...

Hormone Acronym CAS Registry Number of Principal function... 

Structure—function relationships of prolactin among a variety of species have been pubUshed (17,18). Only one gene for prolactin appears to exist (19). Although classically placed in the category of simple protein hormones, prolactin can be glycosylated. Carbohydrate attachment occurs at Asn-31, where the consensus glycosylation sequence Asn—X—Ser is found. 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone can be used clinically to test thyroid function but has not found practical apphcation in the treatment of human thyroid insufficiency. Direct replacement therapy with thyroid hormone is easy and effective, owing to a simple molecular stmcture. TSH has been used in the veterinary treatment of hypothyroidism, and preparations of TSH ate produced by Cooper Animal Health, Inc. and Armour Pharmaceuticals. 

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