Androgen Physiology: Receptor and Metabolic Disorders

Review
In: Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
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Excerpt

Androgens are an important class of C19 steroid hormones that control normal male development and reproductive function. The main circulating androgen is testosterone, which is produced in the Leydig cells of the testis and can also act as a pro-hormone after being metabolized to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or estradiol (E2). The biological actions of testosterone and DHT are mediated by the androgen receptor, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, which in response to hormone regulates gene expression in target tissues. In this chapter the biosynthesis of androgens, receptor structure/function, and the consequences of genetic changes impacting on receptor expression and signaling in disorders of male development are discussed. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG.

Publication types

  • Review