Hormones target-cell insensitivity

Underproduction of Hormones Has Multiple Causes Target-Cell Insensitivity Results from a Lack of Functional Receptors Growth Factors Plant Hormones... 

Human diseases related to endocrine dysfunction can be broadly grouped into (1) overproduction of a particular hormone, (2) underproduction of a hormone, and (3) target-cell insensitivity to a hormone. 

A large number of diseases are due to either overproduction or underproduction of hormones, or to insensitivity of target tissues to circulating hormones. Knowledge of hormone biosynthesis, secretion, and interaction with target cells is essential to an understanding of the biochemical basis of these disorders. 

Because hormones are so influential in the regulation of meta-bolic processes, it is not surprising that there are numerous hormone-related diseases. In general, such diseases are caused by either overproduction or underproduction of a specific hormone or the insensitivity of target cells. 

Hormones are molecules organisms use to convey information between cells. When target cells are distant from the hormone-producing cell, such molecules are called endocrine hormones. To ensure proper control of metabolism, the synthesis and secretion of many mammalian hormones are regulated by a complex cascade mechanism ultimately controlled by the central nervous system. In addition, a negative feedback mechanism precisely controls various hormone syntheses. A variety of diseases are caused by either overproduction or underproduction of a specific hormone or by the insensitivity of target cells. 

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