What is the Origin of Hormone-Sensitive Tissues?

The term is foundational to classical endocrinology, originating from the early 20th-century discovery of hormones and their specific actions on distant target organs. The concept stems from the lock-and-key model of hormone-receptor interaction. The term's simplicity reflects the direct biological relationship between a hormone and the tissue capable of recognizing and acting upon its signal.

What is the Mechanism of Hormone-Sensitive Tissues?

The mechanism is initiated by the hormone binding to its cognate receptor, which may be located on the cell membrane or within the cytoplasm or nucleus. Steroid hormones typically bind to intracellular receptors, forming a hormone-receptor complex that translocates to the nucleus to directly modulate gene transcription. Peptide hormones, conversely, often bind to cell-surface receptors, triggering secondary messenger cascades that rapidly alter cellular function.

Hormone-Sensitive Tissues ∞ Area

Hormone-Sensitive Tissues

Meaning

Hormone-Sensitive Tissues are specific cell populations or organs that possess the requisite intracellular or cell-surface receptors to respond directly to the presence and concentration of circulating hormones. The response is highly specific, often resulting in changes to gene expression, protein synthesis, or cellular proliferation and differentiation. Examples include the breast, prostate, bone, and adipose tissue, all of which exhibit profound physiological changes in response to steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Understanding the receptor status of these tissues is fundamental in endocrinology and hormone replacement therapy.