Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
23.2K
Review of Adrenal Androgen Synthesis, Hypersecretion, and Blockade
Philip Olson1, Benjamin T Ristau2
1Urology Residency Program, UConn Health, 135 Dowling Way, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
The Urologic Clinics of North America
|April 18, 2025
Summary
This review covers adrenal androgens, their production from cholesterol via cytochrome P450 enzymes, and associated hypersecretion disorders. It also discusses adrenal androgen blockade in prostate cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Adrenal androgens are 19-carbon sex hormones synthesized from cholesterol.
- The cytochrome P450 superfamily catalyzes key enzymatic steps in adrenal androgen biosynthesis.
- Disorders of adrenal androgen production range from hypersecretion to therapeutic blockade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of the adrenal gland.
- To elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of adrenal androgens.
- To review common disorders of adrenal androgen hypersecretion and blockade.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of adrenal gland history and function.
- Exploration of the biochemical pathways for adrenal androgen synthesis.
- Analysis of clinical conditions associated with adrenal androgen imbalance.
Main Results:
- Adrenal androgen production involves a complex enzymatic cascade.
- Hypersecretion disorders include polycystic ovarian syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Adrenocortical carcinomas can cause androgen oversecretion; blockade is used for prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- Understanding adrenal androgen synthesis is crucial for diagnosing and managing related disorders.
- Therapeutic blockade of adrenal androgens offers a treatment strategy for specific conditions like metastatic prostate cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...