Mechanisms of Action of Steroid Hormones

A Search for the Primary Site of Hormone ActionALTHOUGH steroid hormones regulate growth, differentiation and metabolism in target tissues via mechanisms that are largely undetermined, increasing evidence has suggested that their effects occur through the regulation of protein synthesis. This is not an unreasonable hypothesis since the majority of the cell mass and the basic cell structure are protein in nature. Similarly, the enzymic catalysts regulating all aspects of metabolism are proteins. Thus, a chemical effector such as a hormone might specifically and efficiently regulate cell growth or function by stimulating the synthesis of one or more protein molecules. . . .