Which hormone's synthesis is inhibited by Aminogluthemide?

Aminogluthemide is known to inhibit the synthesis of cortisol by blocking the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, which is the first step in corticosteroid synthesis. By doing this, it effectively reduces the production of not only cortisol but also adrenal steroid hormones, including aldosterone and adrenal androgens, as they share the same biosynthetic pathway derived from pregnenolone.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that plays a critical role in metabolism, immune response, and stress response. In clinical contexts, particularly in patients with conditions like Cushing's syndrome—a disorder characterized by excessive cortisol production—aminogluthemide may be used to help reduce cortisol levels.

While insulin, aldosterone, and adrenaline are all vital hormones in the endocrine system, their synthesis mechanisms are distinct and not directly impacted by aminogluthemide. Insulin is primarily regulated by glucose levels and produced in the pancreas, aldosterone is produced in the adrenal cortex with a different regulatory pathway, and adrenaline is produced by the adrenal medulla and also follows a separate synthesis route. Therefore, the inhibition of cortisol synthesis by aminogluthemide highlights its specific action on the adrenal cortex's steroid production pathway.