Biochemistry

Aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone stimulate the reverse absorption of sodium, chlorine, bicarbonate ions in the kidneys, sweat and salivary glands, in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. With insufficient formation of mineralocorticoids, a significant loss of sodium and water salts occurs, as well as a delay in potassium in the body. With damage to the adrenal cortex, a disease develops, first described in 1849-1855. by the English physician T. Addison and what he called "bronze disease" (Addison's disease). The formation of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands increases with exposure to high or low temperatures, a lack of oxygen, infection, severe physical and mental stress. In the cortical substance of the adrenal glands, male sex hormones - androgens (from Greek andros - man) are also formed. They are responsible for the formation, development and functioning of the reproductive function in the male body. Androgens stimulate the processes of protein biosynthesis, tissue respiration, regulate calcium-phosphorus, lipid and other types of metabolism. In the mechanism of the manifestation of the biological effect of androgens, the main role belongs to the phosphorylation of nuclear proteins and the regulation of chromatin activity. The main representative of androgens is testosterone. A characteristic feature of androgens is their effect on metabolism in target cells. Metabolic conversions of androgens can lead to their activity or inactivation. The hormonal activity is not shown by testosterone itself, but by its most active metabolite - 5-dehydrotestosterone. Testosterone causes the normal growth of male genital organs and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men, has an anabolic effect. It enhances nitrogen retention in the body and increases the intensity of protein neoplasm. In the blood, testosterone circulates in combination with a carrier protein. After penetrating the cell membrane in the cytoplasm, as a result of metabolic reactions, testosterone turns into 5-dehydrotestosterone, which is able to 288