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ADRENAL HORMONES SERIES
The synthesis of adrenocortical steroid hormones involves a chain of oxidation-reduction reactions catalyzed by a series of enzymes. This is important to the function of steroid hormones as they rely on cellular response pathways to restore the homeostatic imbalance that initiated the hormone release. However, the hydrophobic nature allows them to readily diffuse through the plasma membrane of cells. The cholesterol backbone consists of four hydrocarbon rings, three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane, that contribute to its insolubility in aqueous environments. The structures of different steroids differ by the types and locations of additional atoms on a cholesterol backbone. Īdrenocortical hormones are considered steroid hormones because of the shared characteristic of a cholesterol backbone. These hormones, such as estrogen in females and testosterone in males, are commonly known for promoting sexual characteristics and the maturation of reproductive organs of the respective gender. Androgens, or sex hormones, are synthesized in the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex known as the zona reticularis.They also play a role in maintaining a normal stress response cycle. These hormones regulate the processing of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates by the human body.
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The glucocorticoid family of hormones is synthesized in the middle layer of the adrenal cortex known as the zona fasciculata.Additionally, the ion gradient initiates conservation of water. Specifically, it binds receptors of cells that comprise the distal tubules of the kidneys which then stimulate ion channels to conserve sodium and excrete potassium. For example, aldosterone functions to raise blood sodium levels and lower blood potassium levels by targeting the kidneys. Their function is to regulate the concentration of electrolytes circulating in the blood. Mineralocorticoid hormones are synthesized in the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex known as the zona glomerulosa.Adrenocortical hormones are divided into three classes by function: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens.