The Biochemistry of Steroid Hormones

All steroid hormones begin as what?

Cholesterol

Outline the Steroid Hormone synthesis

Cholesterol uptake

Cholesterol is transported to the mitochondria by the StAR protein. StAR protein controls the uptake of cholesterol into the mitochondria

Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone- This is catalysed by CYP11A1

Pregnenolone will convert to progesterone which then is converted to cortisol, aldosterone…..etc

What is the function of cortisol, where is it produced?

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal cortex

The function of cortisol is stress response, glucose regulation and immune suppression.

What happens if there is too much/too little cortisol?

Too much- Cushing’s Syndrome( obesity hyperglycaemia

Too little- Addison’s disease (atigue, weight loss, low BP)

Where is aldosterone produced? what is the function of Aldosterone?

Aldosterone is produced in the adrenal cortex

Aldosterone is a regulator of water, blood pressure and salt

Acts on kidney distal tubules