Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Adrenal Cortex Steroid Synthesis in Endocrinology
This concept, within endocrinology, describes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the biosynthetic pathway of adrenal cortex steroid hormones. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, triggering pituitary ACTH release (via cyclic AMP signaling), which stimulates the adrenal cortex to convert cholesterol through a sequence of enzymatic steps across three histologic zones—zona glomerulosa (mineralocorticoids), zona fasciculata (glucocorticoids), and zona reticularis (androgens)—with cortisol exerting negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary and following a diurnal secretory rhythm.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Adrenal Cortex Steroid Synthesis in Endocrinology
This concept, within endocrinology, describes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the biosynthetic pathway of adrenal cortex steroid hormones. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-re…