Hormone, adrenal cortex corpus luteum

CAS 57-83-0. C2II I, ),. The female sex hormone secreted in the body by the corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, or placenta during pregnancy. It is important in the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy and for the maintenance of pregnancy. It exists in two crystalline forms (a- and (i ) of equal physiological activity. Progesterone is believed to be the precursor of the adrenal steroid hormones. 

The answer is d. (Murray, pp 505-626. Scriver, pp 4029-4240. Sack, pp 121-138. Wilson, pp 287-320.) Both cortisol and aldosterone contain C-21-hydroxyl groups. Both are also derived from progesterone in the adrenal cortex. In contrast, the sex hormones are synthesized in the ovaries and testicular interstitial cells. In the synthesis of sex hormones, progesterone is converted to 17a-hydroxyprogesterone and then androstenedione, which may either become estrone or testosterone. Testosterone gives rise to estradiol in the ovaries. In the corpus luteum, progesterone is produced. 

Simple spherulites with polarization crosses can readily be found in intact cells from the corpus luteum of the ovary, in the adrenal cortex, and in certain abnormal lipoid deposits 39). The lipoid nature of these spherulites is confirmed by their dissolution in organic solvents though not necessarily by conventional histo- or cytochemical tests since integral lipoid usually fails to develop a color with oil-soluble dyes. In these situations, the liquid crystal is present as a relatively particulate component of a phase system containing various lipids or lipoproteins. In the cells of the corpus luteum and adrenal, steroids are present in the complex, probably as intermediates or end product in hormone synthesis since steroid dehydrogenase and other enzymes appropriate for this are present in the identical cells. 

Progesterone, cortisol, cortisone, aldosterone and related compounds have hormone activity in animals (E 3.1). Progesterone regulates the metabolic activity of the gonads. It is synthesized mainly in the corpus luteum and the placenta. Cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone influence carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. They are formed in the adrenal cortex (corticosteroids), but also in the gonads and the placenta. All compounds mentioned are used in medicine (F 2) and are produced by the pharmaceutical industry, e.g., from steroid saponins (D 6.4.2) or steroid alkaloids (D 6.4.3). 

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