Conversion of diurnal plasma hormone concentration profiles into secretion rates

Various methods for the calculation of hormone secretion rates from plasma hormone concentration time-series are described. Problems related to the description of the basic processes of hormone kinetics, including secretory pulsatility, distribution, and elimination are discussed, as well as methods for the experimental validation of models. Computer modeling and simulation techniques are shown to be very useful in this respect. It is suggested that more sophisticated biophysical models are developed to describe hormone dynamics more accurately, for example, with regard to kinetically different molecular forms of the same hormone, and to the interaction of hormones with hormone-binding proteins. Such models would provide the basis for more accurate estimation of hormone secretion rates.