Steroids Flashcards
Are steroids stored or synthesized as needed?
They are synthesized as needed. The rate of secretion equals the rate of synthesis
Where is aldosterone synthesized?
Zona glomerulosa
What are the steps in aldosterone synthesis
Cholesterol –> Pregnenolone –> Deoxycorticosterone –> Aldosterone
Where is cortisol synthesized?
Zona fasciculata and reticularis
What are the steps in cortisol synthesis?
Cholesterol –> Pregnenolone –> Deoxycortisol –> Cortisol
Where is androstenedione synthesized?
Zona fasciculata and reticularis
What are the steps in androstenedione synthesis?
Cholesterol –> Pregnenolone –> Androstenedione
What hormone regulates the synthesis of cortisol?
ACTH
What controls the synthesis of aldosterone? (2 items)
Angiotensin II and plasma potassium
How are steroids inactivated in the liver? (3 items)
- Reduction of A ring
- Sulfate conjugation
- Glucuronide conjugation
What is the mechanism of adrenocorticosteroid hormones? (5 steps)
- Binds to cytosolic steroid receptor
- Translocated to nucleus
- Stimulates transcription of mRNA
- Stimulates mRNA directed protein synthesis
- Proteins mediate glucocorticoid effects
What effect do glucocorticoids have on gluconeogenesis from liver?
Increases
What effect do glucocorticoids have on amino acids in the body?
Increased mobilization from skeletal muscle, skin etc.
What effect do glucocorticoids have on plasma glucose levels?
Increase
What effect do glucocorticoids have on urinary nitrogen excretion?
Increase
What effect do glucocorticoids have on peripheral glucose utilization?
Reduces
What are the 6 major effects of glucocorticoids on carbohydrate and protein metabolism?
- Enhanced liver gluconeogenesis
- Stimulation of amino acid mobilization
- Increased plasma glucose levels
- Increased liver glycogen
- Increased urinary nitrogen excretion
- Reduced peripheral glucose utilization
What are the 2 major effects of glucocorticoids on lipid metabolism?
- Redistribution of body fat (moon face, buffalo hump)
2. Stimulation of release of fatty acids from adipose tissue
What enzyme is responsible for the specificity of the glucocorticoid receptor?
11B hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase