Estrogens

 Definition of Estrogens: Estrogens are female sex hormones essential for reproductive tissue development, breast growth, and bone health.   Physiological Sources: Produced primarily by the ovaries (granulosa cells) and the placenta during pregnancy. Types of Estrogens: Endogenous: Estradiol (most potent), estrone, estriol. Exogenous (Synthetic): Ethinylestradiol, conjugated estrogens. Pharmacological Actions: Female Sexual Development: Growth and maturation … Read more

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids

Definition of Anabolic Steroids: Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone designed to maximize anabolic (muscle-building) effects while minimizing androgenic (masculinizing) Anabolic Steroid: Used medically for anemia, delayed puberty; misused in sports for performance enhancement. Physiological Roles: Promote muscle and bone growth with reduced androgenic activity. Examples: Nandrolone, Oxandrolone, Stanozolol. Pharmacological Actions: Anabolic Actions: Promote … Read more

Androgens

Androgens

Definition of Androgens: Androgens are male sex hormones responsible for developing and maintaining male characteristics. The primary endogenous androgen is testosterone. Physiological Roles: Produced mainly by Leydig cells in the testes and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal cortex. Regulate development of male secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, and libido. Exhibit anabolic effects: Promote protein … Read more

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids: Used to treat inflammation, allergies, and adrenal insufficiency. Corticosteroids are divided into two main categories based on their primary activity: Glucocorticoids Major Hormone: Cortisol (hydrocortisone). Effects: Metabolic: ↑ Gluconeogenesis, ↑ blood glucose, protein catabolism, lipolysis. Anti-inflammatory/Immunosuppressive: Inhibit phospholipase A2, ↓ cytokine and antibody production. Pharmacologic Agents: Short-acting: Intermediate-acting: Prednisone, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone. Long-acting: Dexamethasone, Betamethasone. … Read more

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Used diagnostically in adrenal insufficiency and therapeutically in some inflammatory diseases. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other glucocorticoids. Physiology: Produced by the anterior pituitary, ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids (cortisol) and, to a lesser extent, mineralocorticoids. ACTH Analogues: Synthetic ACTH (e.g., Cosyntropin): Uses: Diagnostic … Read more

Glucagon

Glucagon

Glucagon: A peptide hormone that raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver. Glucagon: Used in emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia and as a diagnostic aid. Physiology: Secreted by α-cells of the pancreas in response to low blood glucose. Increases blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. Glucagons (e.g., glucagon … Read more

Oral Hypoglycemic (Antidiabetic) Agents

Oral Hypoglycemic (Antidiabetic) Agents

Oral Hypoglycemic (Antidiabetic) Agents: Include sulfonylureas, biguanides, gliptins, gliflozins, and others. Oral Hypoglycemic (Antidiabetic) Agents: Lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin action or secretion. These agents are primarily used in type 2 diabetes to enhance insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, or reduce glucose production. Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide): Mechanism: Stimulate pancreatic … Read more

Hormones Regulating Plasma Calcium Levels – PTH, Calcitonin, Vitamin D

Hormones Regulating Plasma Calcium Levels

Hormones Regulating Plasma Calcium Levels – PTH, Calcitonin, Vitamin D maintain calcium homeostasis. Hormones Regulating Plasma Calcium Levels regulate calcium absorption, reabsorption, and bone resorption. Calcium homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of PTH, calcitonin, and vitamin D, each of which can be targeted pharmacologically. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/ Parathormone Physiology: Secreted by parathyroid chief cells … Read more

Insulin

Insulin

Definition of Insulin: Insulin therapy is indispensable for type 1 diabetes and may be required in advanced type 2 diabetes. Physiology: Produced by β-cells of the pancreas; released in response to increased blood glucose. Lowers blood glucose by facilitating glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Types of Insulin: … Read more

Thyroid Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors

Thyroid Hormones Analogues and Their Inhibitors

Thyroid Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors include levothyroxine, liothyronine, and antithyroid drugs. Thyroid Hormones: Analogues and Their Inhibitors regulate metabolism and treat thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolism, growth, and development. Pharmacological manipulation of these hormones is essential in treating various thyroid disorders. Thyroid Hormones: T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) Synthesis: … Read more