Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Biochemistry of Intra- and Intercellular Communication
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Introduction

Abbreviations used in this chapter

ACTH — adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin)

ADH — antidiuretic hormone

DHEA — dehydroepiandrosterone

DOC — deoxycorticosterone

GH — Growth Hormone

PEPCK — phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase

POMC — pro-opiomelanocortin

PTH — parathyroid hormone

TBG — thyroxine-binding globulin

Dozens of different Steroids are synthesized in the adrenal cortex, but only very few of them possess biological activity. The latter comprise three classes of Hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. The MECHANISM OF ACTION of these hormones involves their initial binding to specific intracellular receptors, followed by the interaction of this complex with specific DNA regions, which exerts a regulatory effect on Gene Expression. As a result, the synthesis rate of certain Proteins changes, which in turn influences various metabolic processes, such as Gluconeogenesis and The ratio of Na+ to K+.



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