From the Guidelines
The hormones of the anterior lobe that control the activities of other endocrine glands are known as tropic hormones. These hormones, which include thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenal corticotrophic hormone, prolactin, growth hormone, and the gonadotropins, are secreted under the influence of hypothalamic trophic factors, as noted in the study by 1. The main function of these tropic hormones is to stimulate other glands to produce and secrete their own hormones, thereby acting as master regulators in the endocrine system.
- The tropic hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland play a crucial role in maintaining proper metabolic function, growth, reproduction, and stress responses throughout the body.
- The feedback mechanism involving the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland ensures that the production and secretion of these hormones are tightly regulated, as described in the study by 1.
- The importance of the anterior pituitary's tropic hormones is highlighted by their role in controlling the activities of other endocrine glands, making them essential for overall endocrine function and homeostasis.
From the Research
Hormones of the Anterior Lobe
The hormones of the anterior lobe that control the activities of other endocrine glands are:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Follicle-stimulating hormone
- Luteinizing hormone
- Growth hormone
- Prolactin 2, 3
Role of the Anterior Pituitary Gland
The anterior pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating growth, metabolism, and reproduction by producing and secreting these hormones 3
Regulation of Hormone Synthesis and Secretion
The synthesis, secretion, and action of these hormones are regulated by various molecular mechanisms, including transcription factors and signaling molecules 3, 4
Examples of Hormones and Their Functions
For example, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein that plays fundamental roles in male and female fertility 4