Hormones
BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
Pituitary Hormones
Posterior pituitary
Stores and releases 2 hormones that are
produced in the hypothalamus:
o Antidiuretic hormone
(ADH/vasopressin):
o Oxytocin:
Oxytocin
9 amino acid peptide, produced primarily
by paraventricular nucleus and small
amount by supraoptic nucleus
Targets: Uterus and mammary glands
Contraction of pregnant uterus
Stimulates contractions of the mammary
gland alveoli.
Milk-ejection reflex.
Pituitary Hormones
Anterior pituitary
Prolactin
Growth Hormone (GH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
PROLACTIN
Protein hormone of 199 amino acids.
In females it stimulates milk production by
the mammary glands.
Release is inhibited in non-pregnant
women.
As estrogen and progesterone levels rise
late in pregnancy, it stimulates prolactin
release.
Hyperprolactinaemia can cause menstrual
problems in females and breast
enlargement in males.
Hypo-Pit-Gonadal Axes
Hypothalamus
(synthesizes
Gonadotropin
releasing
hormone)
Lh+fsh
androgens
Action of GnRH
A system stimulation of phosphatidylinositol is GnRH
action
GnRH binds to receptors in the cell membrane of the
gonadotrope
Phospholipase C is activated, catalyzes the hidrolysis of
PIP2 to form DAG and IP3
DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC), which
phosphorylates specific protein
It participate in the resulting secretory process to
transport LH and FSH to cell exterior
IP3 stimulates of Ca2+ from calcium stroge particle,
cause increased stimulation of PKC
participates in exocytosis of LH and FSH from cell
Action of GnRH
GONADOTROPINS
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Target: Ovaries and Testes
Stimulates the maturation of sperm and
egg, in the females causes the release of
estrogen
GONADOTROPINS
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Target: Ovaries and Testes
Male: Production of testosterone
Sex Hormones
Gonad and Adrenal
Estrogen
Progesterone
Dihydrotestosterone
Testosterone
Ovarian hormones
Steroids
o Estrogens
o Androgens
o Progesterone
Peptides
SYNTHESIS
ESTROGEN
Chemical structure: C18
Source:
follicular cells
corpus luteum
placenta
adrenal cortex
adipose tissue (DHEA androstenedione E1)
SYNTHESIS
First step happens in mitochondria
All the rest in smooth ER
Reduction in number of carbon atoms
Estrogens are primarily synthesized in
granulosa cells
Androgens are primarily synthesized in
thecal cells
Estrogens in circulation
Estradiol
Secreted by the ovary
Estrone
Derived from peripheral conversion of
estradiol and androstenodione
Estriol
Liver metabolite of estrone
ESTROGENS
Transport in blood
Mostly carrier-bound (albumin, sex
hormone-binding globulin)
Two peaks
o Before ovulation
o Mid-luteal peak
Mechanisms of Action
Cytoplasmic receptor binds to steroid hormone.
Translocates to nucleus.
DNA-binding domain binds to specific HRE of
the DNA.
Dimerization occurs.
Mechanisms of Action
Metabolism
Metabolized to glucuronides and
sulfates
Recycled in enterohepatic circulation
Excreted in urine
Physiological
Reproductive system
o Development and maintenance of uterus,
uterine tubes,vagina, external genitalia
and breasts
o Cyclic changes in the endometrium,
cervix, vagina
o Growth of the ovarian follicles
o Motility of the uterine tubes
Physiological
Reproductive system
o Pregnancy: uterine muscle mass ,
excitability , breasts
o Female secondary sex characteristics
(fat deposits, etc)
o Estrous behavior in animals, increased
libido in humans
Physiological
Metabolism
o Protein metabolism: anabolism- (in cattle,
chicken, etc.)
o Lipid metabolism: LDL , plasma
cholesterol
o Salt and water retention (by stimulating
angiotensin) edema
Physiological
Other metabolic
o Maintenance of bone mass
o Clotting factor synthesis ( thrombosis)
Progesteron
The most distinctive hormone between
males and females
Chemical structure: C21
Source:
c. luteum
placenta
follicles (small amount)
adrenal cortex
Transport
2% free
80% albumin-bound
18% corticosteroid-binding protein
(transcortin) -bound
Physiological
Cyclic changes in the endometrium,
cervix, and vagina
Breasts: supports the secretory function
during lactation
Inhibits LH secretion
Responsible for preparing the
reproductive tract for implantation and the
maintenance of pregnancy
Physiological
Relaxin
Relaxes pelvic joints
Softens and dilates cervix
Sperm mobility - in males
Inhibin
Selective inhibitory control of FSH
Activin
Selective stimulaton of FSH
Cell differentiation