Ecdysteroid

Ecdysteroids are chemical compounds which act as hormones in molting animals ( Ecdysozoa ), such as spiders, crabs and insects occur. These formed in the prothoracic gland hormones, which include ecdysone and ecdysterone count control various physiological processes of these animals, such as the molting ( ecdysis ), the metamorphosis or reproduction. These processes are mediated at the molecular level via activation of the counting of the nuclear receptors Ecdysonrezeptoren and targeted activation of protein biosynthesis. Ecdysteroids and related substances are also produced by many plants as a component of defense against predators. Ingested ecdysteroids possess in the organism of humans and other mammals lack of an ecdysone receptor, no specific function. Due to the lack of its own receptors, the selective introduction of Ecdysonrezeptoren and their activation by means of ecdysteroids in the life sciences is used as an investigative tool. Notwithstanding the non-specific effects by activation of other nuclear receptors are discussed. For a proclaimed therapeutic applications, for example to build muscle, there is no sufficient evidence.