[Endocrinology 1992-1993]

In a brief review of advances made in endocrinology during the past two years, focused on steroid hormones, the author discusses findings on mineral corticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and their interaction with hormone responsive elements in nuclei of target cells. The antimicrobial action of some steroid hormones and general characteristics of the cell reaction to stress (proteins of heat shock) are also new findings. In the region of peptide hormones the author mentions findings pertaining to the mechanisms of development of adenohypophyseal adenomas, probably by the action of GHRH. It is assumed that some derivatives of prostaglandins will have an antiviral and anti-tumorous effect. An endogenous ligand for tetra-hydro-cannabinol receptors was isolated. Preventive administration of insulin protects relatives of patients with diabetes mellitus type I from the development of the disease.