GnRH
released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of FSH and
LH from the anterior pituitary
TRH
released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of
thyrotropin from the anterior pituitary
GHIH
(GIH or somatostatin)
released by the hypothalamus
inhibits the release of growth hormone from the anterior pitiuitary
CRH
released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary
GHRH
released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary
PIH
(dopamine)
released by the hypothalamus
inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary
PRH
released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary
FSH
released by the anterior pituitary
a gonadotropin
causes development of gametes (eggs & sperm) in the gonads
LH
released by the anterior pituitary
a gonadotropin
causes estrogen/progesterone or testosterone secretion in the gonads
growth hormone (GH)
somatotropin
released by the anterior pituitary
causes cell division & protein synthesis in most cells
TSH
thyrotropin
released by the anterior pituitary
stimulates the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4
Prolactin
released by the anterior pituitary
causes milk production in the breast
ACTH
released by the anterior pituitary
causes the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol/corticosterone
ADH
vasopressin
released by the posterior pituitary
targets the kidney to conserve water
causes vasoconstriction in vessels
oxytocin
released by the posterior pituitary
causes breast milk letdown
increases trust and bonding
triiodothyronine (T3)
tetraiodothyronine (T4)
released by the thyroid
increase metabolic rate in most tissues
calcitonin
released by the thyroid
lowers blood calcium levels by increasing Ca++ storage in bone mass
PTH
released by the parathyroid glands
increases blood calcium levels by breaking down bone mass
insulin
released by the pancreas
decreases blood glucose level by allowing cells to uptake glucose and stimulating glycogenesis
glucagon
released by the pancreas
increases blood glucose level (and other nutrients) by stimulating glycogenolysis, lipolysis, gluconeogenesis
somatostatin
released by the pancreas
inhibits insulin and glucagon release
androgens
(testosterone, DHT, androstenedione)
released by the testes
responsible for male secondary sex characteristics, sex drive, and triggering spermatogenesis
inhibin
released by the testes and ovaries
responsible for inhibiting FSH, and therefore inhibiting spermatogenesis & oogenesis
mullerian-inhibiting hormone
released by the embryonic developing testes
causes disintegration of female reproductive ducts
estrogens
released by the ovaries
responsible for female secondary sex characteristics, triggering oogenesis
progesterone
released by the ovaries
maintains and prepares the lining of the uterus for a pregnancy
relaxin
released by the ovaries
loosens connective tissue and muscle during childbirth
aldosterone
released by the adrenal cortex
a mineralcorticoid
causes Na+ retention (and K+/H+ secretion) at the kidney
cortisol; corticosterone
released by the adrenal cortex
a glucocorticoid
increases blood glucose level (and other nutrients) by stimulating glycogenolysis, lipolysis, gluconeogenesis
adapts body for stress; anti-inflammatory
DHEA & androstenedione
released by the adrenal cortex
responsible in part for the sex drive in women
epinephrine & norepinephrine
released by the adrenal medulla
enhances and prolongs the fight or flight response
increases blood glucose level (and other nutrients) by stimulating glycogenolysis, lipolysis, gluconeogenesis; increases skeletal muscle metabolism