Meta-Biol

• Pathways

In this two-step reaction catalyzed by 3beta-HSD associated with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, the 3-hydroxyl group of DHA is oxidized to a keto group and the double bond in the steroid nucleus is then isomerized from the five to the 4 position. Corticotropin (Adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH) acts through the ACTH receptor called melanocortin receptor type 2 (MC2R) to stimulate steroidogenesis, increasing the production of androgens (McKenna et al, 1997).