The Bioavailable Hormone Fraction represents the portion of a circulating hormone that is physiologically active and capable of readily diffusing into target tissues to exert its biological effect. This fraction primarily consists of the unbound, or free, hormone plus the hormone weakly bound to albumin, excluding the fraction tightly bound to high-affinity binding globulins like Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). Clinical assessment of this fraction provides a more accurate representation of tissue exposure and functional endocrine status than total hormone concentration alone. Maintaining an optimal bioavailable fraction is crucial for effective cellular signaling and homeostatic regulation.
Origin
This term is a cornerstone of classical endocrinology, evolving from the understanding of plasma protein binding dynamics and their role in hormone transport and action. The concept arose as researchers recognized that total hormone levels did not always correlate with clinical symptoms or tissue response. The term fraction highlights the mathematical and physiological partitioning of hormones within the bloodstream.
Mechanism
The mechanism centers on the dynamic equilibrium between free and bound hormone pools in the circulation. Only the free and albumin-bound molecules are sufficiently accessible to cross capillary walls and interact with cellular receptors to initiate a signal cascade. The concentration of carrier proteins, particularly SHBG, dictates the size of the bioavailable fraction, acting as a buffer or reservoir for the hormone. This regulatory system ensures a stable, functional supply of hormone to peripheral tissues.
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