Hormone cortical

Since the introduction of cortisone (1) (1948) and hydrocortisone (2) (1951), adrenal-cortical hormones have remained an important and unreplaced dmg class. Though not without adverse effects, these compounds have continued to be the dmg of choice in the treatment of afflictions ranging from the moderate skin rash to severe acute inflammatory disorders, and are included in many other therapeutic regimes. 

Adrenal Cortical Hormones" under "Hormones" in ECT 1st ed., VoL 7, pp. 495—513, by H. B. MacPhUlamy, Ciba Pharmaceutical Products and T. F. Gallagher, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research "Steroids with Cortical Hormone Activity" in ECT 1st SuppL, pp. 849—888, by G. Aimer and A. Wettstein, Ciba Limited, Basle "Adrenal-Cortical Hormones" under "Hormones" in ECT 2nd ed., Vol. 11, pp. 77—93, by W. R. Ebedein, The Children s Hospital of Philadelphia in ECT 3rd ed., Vol 12, pp. 575—602, by V. Petrow, Consultant. 

The introduction of the l/, 2j5-methylene function into cortical hormones is best carried out by starting with the A -3)S-aIcohols (7) which are prepared by lithium aluminum hydride or lithium tri-t-butoxyaluminum hydride reduction of the corresponding A -3-ketones. 

It was known as early as 1927 that the adrenal glands of mammalian species secrete a series of substances essential to the survival of the individual. The hormonal nature of these secretions was suggested by the observation that extracts of the adrenal gland and more specifically of the outer portion of that organ (cortex) would ensure survival of animals whose adrenals had been excised. By 1943 no fewer than 28 steroids had been isolated from adrenal cortical extracts. These compounds were found to be involved in the regulation of such diverse and basic processes as electrolyte balance, carbohydrate metabolism, and resistance to trauma, to name only a few. 

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. 

Testosterone, the major androgenic hormone, accounts for 95% of the androgen concentration. The primary source of testosterone is the testes however, 3% to 5% of the testosterone concentration is derived from direct adrenal cortical secretion of testosterone or C-19 steroids such as androstenedione.17,18... 

A nontrophic hormone acts on nonendocrine target tissues. For example, parathormone released from the parathyroid glands acts on bone tissue to stimulate the release of calcium into the blood. Aldosterone released from the cortical region of the adrenal glands acts on the kidney to stimulate the reabsorption of sodium into the blood. 

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