THE CARDIOVASCULAR STEROID SYSTEM

In this review, the authors describe: (1) the different types of gluco corticoid hormone receptors, on the cell membrane and two types inside the cell, the MR and GR (mineralo- and glucoreceptors); (2) the synth esis of the hormones with the decisive role of the final enzymes, 11 b eta-hydroxylase and aldosterone-synthetase; (3) the increasing evidenc e for a cardiovascular steroid system in the vessels as well as in the myocardium. The authors have reported new data suggesting the existen ce of an endocrine cardiac steroidogenic system in the heart with a po tential physiological and pathological relevance (for transmembrane io n transport and trophic alterations).