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Nongenomic Actions

Meaning

Nongenomic Actions refer to the rapid, often immediate effects of steroid hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, that occur independently of the traditional mechanism of binding to intracellular receptors and altering gene transcription. These actions are characterized by a swift onset, typically within seconds to minutes, and do not require the synthesis of new proteins. This clinical concept is essential for a complete understanding of hormonal signaling, recognizing that steroids can act as fast-acting neuromodulators and membrane signaling molecules.