Principles and Applications of Bioassay

Principles and Applications of Bioassay

Principles and Applications of Bioassay: Involve comparing test samples with standards for potency. Principles and Applications of Bioassay: Used in drug development, toxicity testing, and quality control. Bioassay Bioassays are analytical methods that use living organisms, cells, or biological systems to measure the concentration or potency of a substance, such as a hormone or drug. … Read more

Oral Contraceptives

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. Oral Contraceptives typically contain a combination of estrogens and progestins or progestin-only formulations. Types: Combined Oral Contraceptive (COCs): Contain both estrogen and progestin (e.g., ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel). Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): Contain only progestin (e.g., norethindrone). Mechanism of Action: Inhibition of Ovulation: Suppression of the … Read more

Progesterone

Definition of Progesterone: Progesterone is a female sex hormone essential for the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. Physiology: Secreted primarily by the corpus luteum in the ovary and the placenta during pregnancy. Roles: Prepares and maintains the endometrium for implantation. Decreases uterine contractions. Thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration. Pharmacological Agents: Progesterones: Natural form … Read more

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