What are STEROID HORMONES

Steroid hormone is a steroid that acts as a hormone.

They are grouped on the basis of the receptors they bind.

vGlucocorticoids

vMineralocorticoids,

vProgesterone

vAndrogens

vEstrogens

•The natural steroid hormones are generally synthesized from cholesterol in the gonads and adrenal glands.

• These forms of hormones are lipids.

•They can pass through the cell membrane as they are fat-soluble, and then bind to steroid hormone receptors which may be nuclear or cytosolic depending on the steroid hormone, to bring about changes within the cell.

•Steroid hormones are generally carried in the blood bound to specific carrier proteins such as SHBPs and CHBPs.

•Further conversions and catabolism occurs in the liver, in other "peripheral" tissues, and in the target tissues.

•A variety of synthetic steroids and sterols have also been contrived.

•Most are steroids, but some non-steroidal molecules can interact with the steroid receptors because of a similarity of shape.

•Some synthetic steroids are weaker, and some much stronger, than the natural steroids whose receptors they activate.

Examples Of Synthetic Steroids

ØGlucocorticoids: alclometasone, prednisone,dexamethasone,

ØMineralocorticoid: fludrocortisone

ØVitamin D: dihydrotachysterol

ØAndrogens: apoptone, oxandrolone, oxabolone, testosterone, nandrolone (also known as anabolic steroids)

ØEstrogens: diethylstilbestrol (DES)

ØProgestins: danazol, norethindrone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

Some steroid antagonists:

ØAndrogen: cyproterone acetate

ØProgestins: mifepristone, gestrinon