Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 11.5
The androgens and oestrogens
The androgens and oestrogens represent the major male and female sex hormones respectively
(Figure 11.B3). The testicular Leydig cells represent the primary source of androgens in the
male, of which testosterone is the major one. Testosterone, in turn, serves as a precursor for two
additional steroids, i.e. dihydrotestosterone and the oestrogen called oestradiol. These mediate
many of its biological effects.
Females, too, produce androgens, principally in the follicular theca cells. Androgens are also
produced in the adrenals in both male and females.
The biological activities of androgens (only some of which are specifi c to males) may be
summarized as:
•
promoting and regulating development of the male phenotype during embryonic
development;
OH
O
O
HO
Oestrone
Testosterone
OH
OH
OH
HO
HO
Oestriol
β
-Oestradiol
Figure 11.B3
Androgen and oestrogen structures
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