The major vertebrate hormones - Steroid hormones

5 important questions on The major vertebrate hormones - Steroid hormones

What are the characteristics of steroid hormones?

  • Fat soluble
  • Move easily through cell membranes.
  • Not soluble in water
  • Must bind to water-soluble carrier proteins to travel through the blood

The 2 types of C21 steroids are progestins and corticoids. Where are they produced and what is their function?

  1. Progesterone. Released from the corpora lutea and the placenta. Important for uterine and mammary gland development and the maintenance of pregnancy.
  2. Corticoids.
  • Glucocorticoids: B (corticosterone) and F (cortisol). Both released from the adrenal glands and are released in response to stress.
  • Mineralocorticoids: Aldosterone. Released from the adrenal glands and is important for retaining Na and excreting K in the kidneys.

The C19 steroids are androgens. Where are they produced and what is their function?

Androgens have male generating effects and are produced in the Leydig cells of the testes. Important ones are:
  • Testosterone. Important for spermatogenesis and male secondary sex characteristics.
  • Androstenedione. Important for male sex characteristics.
  • DHT. Important for secondary male sex characteristics.
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The C18 steroids are estrogens. What 3 different types are there, where are they produced and what is their function?

Estradiol, estrone and estriol are important estrogens. They are produced in the follicles (estriol also in the placenta) and they are important for uterine and mammary tissue development.

Where are neurosteroids produced and what is their function?

Neurosteroids are produced in the CNS and the PNS, mainly in the glia cells. They affect behaviors associated with stress, memory, sex and aggression.

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