In this article we will discuss about the syndromes involving hormonal abnormalities in humans. True hermaphrodites are individuals who have both ovarian and testicular tissue. This occurs extremely rarely. Conditions involving hormonal abnormalities that result in ambiguities of the genitalia are more common, although their precise frequency is unknown. A generous estimate in North America and Europe would probably be [...]
The mode of action of hormones on cells is not yet completely understood. At the cellular level hormones control one or more rate limiting steps in the metabolism of the cells. This control involves synthesis or activation of specific proteins, mostly enzymes. Figure 1 illustrate schematically the different steps involved in the action of hormones on cell. The mode of [...]
The following points highlight the five main types of receptors found in animals. The types are: 1. Intracellular Receptors 2. Cell Surface Receptors 3. G-Protein Coupled Receptors 4. Ion-Channel Receptors 5. Tyrosine Kinase Linked Receptors. Type # 1. Intracellular Receptors: Steroid hormones, thyroxin and retinoids are lipophilic and are transported by carrier proteins in the blood. After dissociation from these [...]