Skip to main content

Intracrinology

Meaning

Intracrinology is the specialized field of endocrinology that focuses on the local, intracellular synthesis, metabolism, and action of steroid hormones directly within their target tissues, independent of their primary secretion from classical endocrine glands like the adrenals or gonads. This concept highlights the cell’s ability to regulate its own hormonal environment by converting circulating, inactive precursors into potent active hormones. It is a critical mechanism for localized hormonal action, especially in tissues like the prostate, breast, and brain.