Genesis of the Adrenocortical Secretion

Abstract

Discussion is directed toward clarification of 3 major questions (a) What is the nature of the steroidal products released from adrenal tissue into the circulation? (b) What are the basic precursors, and the metabolic pathways involved in the elaboration of these steroids? (c) What is the role of pituitary adrenotropic hormone (ACTH) in corticosteroid biosynthesis ? Since corticosteroidogenesis represents a specialized case of the more generalized biochemical problem of the synthesis and transformation of steroids by enzyme systems, the discussion touches on certain aspects of the biosynthesis of cholesterol and the gonadal steroids. Also related, are certain steroid oxidations achieved by microorganisms which in some respects are remarkably similar to those occurring in mammalian adrenal tissue, and these are considered so far as they illumine the major problem.