SYNTHESIS OF ADRENAL HORMONES

ByM.VharshiniB.Sc. Biomedical SciencesSri Ramachandra University

Parts and histology of adrenal gland

HORMONES OF ADRENAL CORTEX

HORMONES OF ADRENAL CORTEX

Adrenocortical hormones are steroids in nature, hence the name ‘corticosteroids’. Based on their functions,corticosteroids are classified into three groups:

1. Mineralocorticoids 2. Glucocorticoids 3. Sex hormones.

GLUCOCORTICOIDSGlucocorticoids act mainly on glucose metabolism.Glucocorticoids are:

1. Cortisol 2. Corticosterone 3. Cortisone.SOURCE OF SECRETION:

Glucocorticoids are secreted mainly by zona fasciculata of adrenal cortex. A small quantity of glucocorticoids is also secreted by zona reticularis.

Synthesis of Glucocorticoids

ACTH

MINERALOCORTICOIDS

Mineralocorticoids are the corticosteroids that act on the minerals (electrolytes), particularly sodium and potassium.Mineralocorticoids are:

1. Aldosterone 2. 11-deoxycorticosteroneSOURCE OF SECRETION:

Mineralocorticoids are secreted by zona glomerulosa of adrenal cortex.

Synthesis of Mineralocorticoids

ADRENAL SEX HORMONESAdrenal sex hormones are secreted mainly by zona reticularis. Zona fasciculata secretes small quantities of sex hormones. Adrenal cortex secretes mainly the male sex hormones, which are called androgens. But small quantity of estrogen and progesterone are also secreted by adrenal cortex. Androgens secreted by adrenal cortex:

1. Androstenedione 2. Testosterone.

Synthesis of Sex Steroids

HORMONES OF ADRENAL MEDULLA

HORMONES OF ADRENAL MEDULLAAdrenal medullary hormones are the amines derived from catechol and so these hormones are called catecholamines.Catecholamines secreted by adrenal medulla

1. Adrenaline or epinephrine 2. Noradrenaline or norepinephrine 3. Dopamine.

Synthesis of catecholamines