Steroids in the Laboratory and Clinical Practice

Features:

• Addresses the normal production of steroids and concentrations found in biological fluids and tissues
• Presents the changes in steroid concentrations at life events as reference points for clinical investigations
• Reviews the genetic disorders of steroids in relation to specific enzyme changes and clinical presentation

Table Of Contents:

Part 1 steroid biochemistry and endocrinology

1.1. Chemistry

1.2. Sources of steroids

1.3. Biosynthesis

1.4. Regulation

1.5. Steroids in blood and tissues

1.6. Recognition of steroids

1.7. Physiological effects

1.8. Breakdown and clearance

PART 2 Laboratory investigations

2.1. Samples

2.2 Sample preparation

2.3 Purification of extracts

2.4 Purification of steroids

2.5 Concentrations of steroids in blood

2.6. Concentrations of steroids in urine, other biological fluids and tissues

2.7 Confirmatory tests

Part 3. Clinical investigations

3.1 Defects of cortisol

3.1.1 Hypercortisolism

3.1.2 Hypocortisolism

3.2. Defects of aldosterone

3.2.1. Hyperaldosteronism

3.2.2. Hypoaldosteronism

3.3. Defects of gonadal steroids

3.3.1. Hypergonadism

3.3.2. Hypogonadism