Physiology Report 4.2
March 7th, 2012
By: Taryn Westerman
Donald Fru
Gloria Villarreal
Julian Garcia
Objective
The purpose of this experiment was to test the solubility of various steroids in order to obtain more information about their structure. An unknown was also given to be included in the experiment. The test that was performed was thin-layer chromatography which required a glass plate. The known steroids used in this experiment were estradiol, hydrocortisone, cortisone, corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone.
Introduction
Steroid hormones are a subgroup of lipids. They are found in one of the primary endocrine glands in the body, the adrenal glands, which are located directly …show more content…
Each class belongs to a specific layer in the adrenal cortex and each class secretes specific hormones. The first group of adrenocorticoids is referred to as mineralcorticoids. These hormones are secreted by the zona glomerulosa and are responsible for the regulation of both the reuptake of sodium and the secretion of potassium. The mineralcorticoid used in this experiment was the more potent, deoxycorticosterone. Abnormal levels of minercorticoids can be associated with hypertension and can be induced by various problems, such as, low blood sodium, high blood potassium, cardiac failure, kidney failure, or even cirrhosis of the liver. The second group of adrenocorticoids is referred to as the glucocorticoids. These are produced by the second layer in the adrenal cortex, the zona fasciculata. The functions of glucocorticoids include stimulating gluconeogenesis through the use of amino acids and breaking down of muscle proteins. In this experiment the glucocorticoids used were hydrocortisone and corticosterone. These hormones are used medically to suppress the immune system by inhibiting the inflammation process. However, too much secretion of these hormones can be indicative of Cushing’s syndrome, pregnancy, and stress that comes from disease or other sorts of bodily trauma. The third group of adrenocorticoids that will be discussed are sex hormones. Sex hormones are not only secreted by the adrenal cortex. They are