Steroids
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The steroids form a group of structurally related compounds, which are widely distributed in animals and plants.
DRUGS ACTING ON ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Steroids
INTRODUCTION
The steroids
form a group of structurally related compounds, which are widely distributed in
animals and plants. The structures of steroids are based on the 1,
2-cyclopentano phenanthrene skeleton.
Steroids
consist of four rings. Perhydrophenanthrene (rings A, B, and C) is a completely
saturated derivative of phenanthrene, while D is a five-membered cyclopentane
ring.
The major
therapeutic classes of steroids are the following:
·Anti-inflammatory agents: Cortisone
·Sex hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, and
testosterone
·Oral contraceptives: Norethisterone
·Cardiac steroids: Digitoxigenin
·Diuretics: Spironolactone
·Antibiotics: Fusidic acid
·Neuromuscular blockers: Pancuronium chloride
·Vitamin D precursor: Ergosterol
