2. Hormones: Their Nature, Action and Measurement
Published Online: 23 FEB 2012
DOI: 10.1002/9781119968153.ch2
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Book Title
Handbook of Clinical Pediatric Endocrinology, Second Edition
Additional Information
How to Cite
Brook, C. G. D. and Dattani, M. T. (2012) Hormones: Their Nature, Action and Measurement, in Handbook of Clinical Pediatric Endocrinology, Second Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, UK. doi: 10.1002/9781119968153.ch2
Publication History
- Published Online: 23 FEB 2012
- Published Print: 13 APR 2012
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780470657881
Online ISBN: 9781119968153
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- endocrine rhythms;
- endocrine tests;
- hormone action;
- hormone catabolism;
- hormone measurement;
- hormone recpetors;
- hormone secretion;
- hormone storage;
- hormone synthesis;
- hormone transport;
- immunoassay;
- peptide hormones;
- reference ranges;
- steroid hormones
Summary
This chapter explains what hormones are, how they work and how they are measured. Three types of hormone have been identified: those derived from tyrosine, peptide or protein hormones and steroid hormones, and three types of receptors – cell surface receptors, G-protein-coupled receptors, and intracellular receptors – transmit their action. Hormones are measured using immunoassays or immunometric assays and this chapter imparts knowledge of assays used in the laboratory and how to interpret hormone measurements. The chapter highlights how sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision affect clinical practice.