Hormones

• Hormones are biologically active substances released by the endocrine glands
• Hormones regulate metabolism and physiological processes
• Functions of hormones:

  • Regulatory or homeostatic function - signaling molecules that cells release into the bloodstream
  • Permissive function - exerts full effect only in the presence of other hormones
  • Integrative function - integrate effects
  • Morphogenetic function - promotes growth and cell differentiation
• Classification of Hormones:

  • Steroid hormones - made up of cholesterol
  • Peptide hormones - short chains of amino acids which are produced as large polypeptide precursors
  • Amino hormones - made up of C, H, O, N molecules; derivatives of tyrosine and tryptophan
• Steroid hormones:

  • Ovarian hormones
  • Testicular hormones
  • Adrenal Cortical hormones
  • Corpus Luteal hormones
• β-estradiol - high amounts in reproductive lifespan; responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics
• Estriol - rise throughout pregnancy; prepare body for labor and delivery
• Estrone - higher after menopause; helps with sexual development and the reproductive system
• Hormones under ESTROGEN:

  • β-estradiol
  • Estriol
  • Estrone
• Testosterone - responsible for many of the physical characteristics specific to adult males; also responsible for reproduction and maintenance of bone and muscle strength
• Androsterone - produced in male and female gonads as well as adrenal glands; production of of estrogen and testosterone
• Dehydroepiandrosterone - precursor hormone; most abundant circulating steroid; little effect on own, powerful when converted
• Mineralocorticoids - influence salt and water balance in the body
• Mineralocorticoids:

  • Aldosterone
  • Deoxycorticosterone
• Aldosterone - helps regulate blood pressure by managing levels of sodium and potassium (through sodium-potassium pumps)
• Deoxycorticosterone - agonist of mineralocorticoid receptors; antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors

  *agonist = binds to help produce response

  *antagonist = binds to stop response
• Glucocorticoids - help in healing wounds and minimizing pain in the occurrence of injury
• Glucocorticoids:

  • Cortisone
  • Cortisol
  • Corticosterone
• Cortisone - pregnane steroid hormone; naturally-occurring corticosteroid metabolite
• Cortisol - produced by your 2 adrenal glands; also called "stress hormone"
• Progesterone - also known as "pregnancy hormone"