[The cardiovascular steroid system]

In this review, the authors describe: (1) the different types of glucocorticoid hormone receptors, on the cell membrane and two types inside the cell, the MR and GR (mineralo- and glucoreceptors); (2) the synthesis of the hormones with the decisive role of the final enzymes, 11 beta-hydroxylase and aldosterone-synthetase; (3) the increasing evidence for a cardiovascular steroid system in the vessels as well as in the myocardium. The authors have reported new data suggesting the existence of an endocrine cardiac steroidogenic system in the heart with a potential physiological and pathological relevance (for transmembrane ion transport and trophic alterations).