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Hormones
Hormones are organic compounds produced by glandular cells and are intended to control body functions, their regulation and coordination. Mammals have two regulatory systems that help the organism to adapt to the constant internal and environmental changes. One of them is nervous system that quickly transmits signals (in the form of impulses) through a network of nerves and nerve cells, the other is endocrine system that produces and releases hormones which regulate the function of many organs and system. Endocrine regulation closely interacts with the nervous system. Frequently hormones act as mediators (serotonin, epinephrine, acetylcholine) between nerve ends and target organs. Therefore the difference between nervous and endocrocrine system is not absolute.
The physiological effects of hormones are focused on:
- providing humoral regulation of biological processes
- maintaining the integrity and constancy of internal environment, harmonious interaction between the cellular components of the body
- the regulation of growth, maturation and reproduction.
The growth and development of human organism is regulated by many hormones. But the most important is human growth hormone (somatotropin). After removal of pituitary the growth of organism gradually stops. The administration of this hormone accelerates the growth of young animals and in adults its administration may lead to regrowth. Obviously the growth of organism is related to retention of nitrogen in the organism. Deficient production of somatotropin leads to the disease called pituitary dwarfism. Such dwarfs have small body size, but otherwise remain ordinary people. Other disorder of pituitary function may be accompanied by an excessive release of growth hormone, generating gigantism. If increase of somatotropin production begins after maturation the disease is called acromegaly which is characterized by disproportionate growth of individual body parts.
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24/01/07
NFL, NFLPA improve steroids program
The National Football League and NFL Players Association have reached agreement on a series of improvements to their policy and program on anabolic steroids and related substances, it was announced
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To Inhale or Not to Inhale Steroids.
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