Anatomy/Hormone List

Hormones are part of the endocrine system, one of the systems in a rotation as part of the event Anatomy. A complete list of hormones is hard to find, as some are debatable. Nonendocrine glands do have a way of showing up on tests, so they are included.

Hormones

Hormone name	Secreted by	Produced by	Effect	Structure	Mechanism	Notes (if applicable)
Activin	Gonads, pituitary gland, placenta	Gonads, pituitary gland, placenta	Enhances FSH biosynthesis and secretion; participates in the regulation of the menstrual cycle; increases FSH binding and FSH-induced aromatization; participates in androgen synthesis enhancing LH action in the ovary and testis (in the male, enhances spermatogenesis); improves wound healing and enhances scar formation; regulates the morphogenesis of branching organs such as the prostate, lung, and especially kidney	Dimers composed of two identical or very similar beta subunits	Activin receptors I and II	Total opposite of inhibin
Adiponectin (GBP-28, apM1, AdipoQ and Acrp30)	Adipocytes	Adipocytes	Regulates metabolism of lipids, glucose; influences body's response to insulin; has anti-inflammatory effects on the cells lining the walls of blood vessels	Polypeptide	n/a	High quantities are associated with people at a low risk for a heart attack; low levels are associated with obesity
Adrenocorticotropic hormone/corticotropin (ACTH)	Anterior pituitary	Corticotrope of anterior pituitary	Stimulates secretion of glucocorticoids	Peptide	cAMP	Is a response to corticotropin-releasing hormone; 'stress management’
Aldosterone	Adrenal cortex	Adrenal cortex	Increases resorption of sodium, water; releases potassium in kidneys; increases blood pressure	Steroid- mineralocortoid (representative)	Direct	Responds to low salt levels
Androstenedione	Adrenal glands, gonads	Theca cells in ovaries	Provide androstenedione substrate for estrogen production in granulosa cells	Steroid- sex (androgen)	Direct	Precursor to testosterone, sold as a muscle strengthener; however, along with granulosa cells, makes up estrogen
Angiotensinogen, angiotensin (AGT)	Liver	Liver	Causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes sodium retention, thereby raising blood pressure; stimulates release of aldosterone	Peptide	IP3	Angiotensinogen is a precursor to angiotensin
Antidiuretic hormone/vasopressin (ADH)	Posterior pituitary	Hypothalamus	Controls body's retention of water; prevents production of dilute urine; retains water in kidneys; releases ACTH	Peptide	Varies	Also called arginine vasopressin or argipressin; secreted in response to reductions in plasma volume, increases in the plasma osmolality, and cholecystokinin by the small intestine
Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH)	Sertoli cells of the testes	Sertoli cells of the testes	Prevents development of müllerian ducts into the uterus and other müllerian structures	Peptide	n/a	Is somewhat detectable in females after 8 years old, but after 25 declines away into barely detectable levels at menopause; is high in males throughout childhood but declines afterward
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)	Cardiac myocytes of the atria of the heart	Cardiac myocytes of the atria of the heart	Renal: Reduces reabsorption of tubular fluid and increases excretion.; decreases sodium reabsorption; inhibits renin secretion, thereby inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system; reduces aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. Vascular: relaxes vascular smooth muscle. Adipose: increases the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue	Peptide	cGMP	Is response to: atrial distention; sympathetic stimulation of β-adrenoceptors; hypernatremia; angiotensin-II; endothelin
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)	Cardiac ventricles	Cardiac ventricles	Similar to ANP, but with a lesser effect: decreases systemic vascular resistance and central venous pressure as well as increases natriuresis	Peptide	n/a	The net effect of BNP and ANP is a decrease in blood volume and a decrease in cardiac output
Calcitonin (CT)	Parafollicular/C cells of the thyroid	Parafollicular/C cells of the thyroid	Inhibits Ca2+ absorption by the intestines; inhibits osteoclast activity; inhibits phosphate reabsorption by the kidney tubules; increases tubular reabsorption of Ca2+, leading to decreased rates of its loss in urine	Peptide	cAMP	Stimulated by an increase in serum [Ca2+]; gastrin and pentagastrin
Calcitriol	Proximal tubule of the nephron in the kidneys	Proximal tubule of the nephron in the kidneys	Increases blood calcium levels: promotes absorption of dietary calcium from GI tract; increased renal tubular reabsorption of calcium (reduces loss of calcium in urine); also stimulates release of calcium from bone; inhibits release of calcitonin	Sterol	Direct	Active form of vitamin D3
Cholecystokinin (CCK)	Mucosal epithelial cells in duodenum; neurons in the enteric nervous system	Mucosal epithelial cells in duodenum; neurons in the enteric nervous system	Releases digestive enzymes from pancreas; contraction of gallbladder to deliver bile	Peptide	n/a	Stimulates digestion of fat and protein; acts as hunger suppressant
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)	Hypothalamus	Hypothalamus, T lymphocytes, placenta	Stimulates release of corticotropin from anterior pituitary	Peptide	cAMP	Originally called corticoliberin or corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
Cortisol	Adrenal cortex	Adrenal cortex	Increases blood sugar; suppresses immune system; aids in fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism; decreases bone formation; prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation	Steroid- glucocorticoid	Direct	'Stress hormone'; used to treat osteoporosis, eczema; diuretic hormone
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)	Zona reticularis of adrenal cortex, gonads, brain	Zona reticularis of adrenal cortex, gonads, brain	Virilization; anabolic	Steroid- sex (androgen, neurosteroid)	Direct	Prohormone for sex steroids; buffer, reservoir; sometimes used as performance-enhancer, but has been proven to not work
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)	Prostate gland, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands	Prostate gland, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands	Helps form male external genitalia as a fetus; as an adult, acts as the primary androgen in the prostate and hair follicles	Steroid- sex (androgen)	Direct	Prohormone to sex steroids; primary contributing factor in male pattern baldness. Women with increased levels of DHT may develop certain androgynous male secondary sex characteristics, including a deepened voice and facial hair
Dopamine (DPM/PIH/DA)	Hypothalamus	Hypothalamus	Increases heart rate, blood pressure; inhibits release of prolactin and TRH from anterior pituitary	Amine- tyrosine (catecholamine)	n/a	Also a neurotransmitter
Endothelin (ET)	Stomach	Vascular endothelium	Constricts blood vessels; raises blood pressure	Amine- protein	cGMP	Formation and release are stimulated by angiotensin II, antidiuretic hormone, thrombin, cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and shearing forces acting on the vascular endothelium; releace is inhibited by prostacyclin and atrial natriuretic peptide as well as by nitric oxide
Enkephalin	Posterior horn of gray matter of the spinal cord	Posterior horn of gray matter of the spinal cord	Regulates nociception in the body	Peptide (opinoid) (endorphins)	n/a	Have potent opiate-like effects, probably serve as neurotransmitters
Epinephrine/adrenaline (EPI)	Adrenal medulla	Adrenal medulla	Boosts supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles, while suppressing other non-emergency bodily processes (digestion in particular); increases heart, respiratory rate; vasoconstriction or vasodilation; stimulates glycogenolysis; triggers lipolysis	Amine- tyrosine (catecholamine)	n/a	Is part of “fight or flight” response; also a neurotransmitter
Erythropoietin (EPO)	Peritubular capillary endothelial cells in the kidney and liver	Peritubular capillary endothelial cells in the kidney and liver	Promotes differentiation, development of red blood cells; initiates production of hemoglobin; regulates red blood cell production; plays an important role in the brain's response to neuronal injury; is involved in the wound healing process	Peptide	n/a	Is triggered by low oxygen levels; is prime regulator of blood cell production; cytokine for erythrocyte precursors in the bone marrow
Estradiol (E2)	Ovary and testis	Granulosa cells of the ovaries; also produced by the adrenal cortex, and (in men), by the testes; the brain and in arterial walls	Females: Promotes formation of female secondary sex characteristics; accelerates height growth, metabolism; reduces muscle mass; stimulates endometrial growth; increases uterine growth; increases bone formation; reduces bowel motility; increases cholesterol in bile. Males: Prevents apoptosis of germ cells	Steroid- sex (estrogen)	Direct	Is primary estrogen
Estriol/oestriol	Placenta	Placenta	Has weak effects similar to estradiol’s	Steroid- sex (estrogen)	Direct	Is one of three principal estrogens; in pregnant women with MS, estriol reduces the disease's symptoms noticeably; can be a weak or strong estrogen depending on if it is given acutely or chronically when given to immature animals, but is an antagonist when given with estradiol; almost always present in reproductive female body
Estrone/oestrone	Ovary, adipose	Ovary, adipose	Has effects similar to estradiol's	Steroid- sex (estrogen)	Direct	Is one of three principal estrogens; predominant estrogen in postmenopausal women yet the least common estrogen
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)	Gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary	Gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary	Both: regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the human body; stimulates the maturation of germ cells. Males: induces sertoli cells to secrete inhibin; stimulates the formation of sertoli-sertoli tight junctions (zonula occludens); stimulates maturation of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis; enhances the production of androgen-binding protein by the Sertoli cells of the testes by binding to FSH receptors on their basolateral membranes; is critical for the initiation of spermatogenesis. Females: initiates follicular growth, specifically affecting granulosa cells. Levels fluctuate with menstrual cycle, peaking at day 3	Peptide	cAMP	At the end of the luteal phase, there is a slight rise in FSH that seems to be of importance to start the next ovulatory cycle; partners with LH; release controlled by pulses of GnRH
Gastrin	G cells in the stomach, duodenum, and the pancreas	G cells in the stomach, duodenum, and the pancreas	Stimulates parietal cells of the stomach to HCl; stimulates parietal cell maturation and fundal growth; causes chief cells to secrete pepsinogen, inactive form of the digestive enzyme pepsin; increases antral muscle mobility and promotes stomach contractions; strengthens antral contractions against the pylorus, and constricts the pyloric sphincter, slowing gastric emptying; plays a role in the relaxation of the ileocecal valve; induces pancreatic secretions and gallbladder emptying; relaxes lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone	Peptide	n/a	Gene located on the long arm of the 17th chromosome; found primarily in three forms: gastrin-34 ("big gastrin"), gastrin-17 ("little gastrin"), gastrin-14 ("minigastrin"); pentagastrin is an artificially synthesized, five amino acid sequence identical to the last five amino acid sequence at the C-terminus end of gastrin – the numbers refer to the amino acid count. Released in response to certain stimuli: stomach distension; vagal stimulation (mediated by the neurocrine bombesin, or GRP in humans); the presence of partially digested proteins; hypercalcemia. Release inhibited by: the presence of acid in the stomach; somatostatin; gastrin; secretin; GIP (gastroinhibitory peptide); VIP; glucagon; calcitonin
Ghrelin	P/D1 cells lining the fundus of the human stomach and epsilon cells of the pancreas; the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus	P/D1 cells lining the fundus of the human stomach and epsilon cells of the pancreas; the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus	Promotes intestinal cell proliferation; inhibits GI apoptosis during inflammatory states and oxidative stress; suppresses the pro-inflammatory mechanisms of GI; augments GI anti-inflammatory mechanisms; enhances the motility of gastrointestinal tract, as does motilin; promotes gastrointestinal and pancreatic malignancy. In fetuses, it seems that it is produced early by the lung and promotes growth	Peptide	n/a	Is counterpart of leptin; exists as an endocrinological inactive (pure peptide) and an active (octanoylated) form
Glucagon (GCG)	α-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas	α-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas	Maintains level of glucose in the blood; turns off glycolysis in the liver; regulates the rate of glucose production through lipolysis; stimulates insulin production	Peptide	cAMP	Discovered by Kimball and Murlin; has structure of NH2-His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asp-Ser- Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr-COOH
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)	Preoptic area of the hypothalamus	Preoptic area of the hypothalamus, hypophysial portal bloodstream at the median eminence	Stimulates the synthesis and secretion of FSH and LH; controls follicular growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum maintenance in the female; spermatogenesis in the male	Peptide	IP3	Neurohormone; in males, secreted in pulses at a constant frequency; but in females, the frequency of the pulses varies during the menstrual cycle, and there is a large surge of GnRH just before ovulation; pulsatile for all vertebrates; very low during childhood – activated at puberty; stimulated by LH, kisspeptin; found in cancers of the breast, ovary, prostate, and endometrium
Growth hormone (GH/HGH)	Somatotroph cells within lateral wings of anterior pituitary	Somatotroph cells within lateral wings of anterior pituitary	Effects can generally be described as anabolic. Increased height during childhood and adolescence; increases calcium retention; strengthens and increases mineralization of bone; increases muscle mass via sarcomere hyperplasia; promotes lipolysis; increases protein synthesis; stimulates the growth of all internal organs excluding the brain; plays a role in homeostasis; reduces liver uptake of glucose; promotes gluconeogenesis in liver; contributes to the maintenance and function of pancreatic islets; stimulates the immune system	Protein-based peptide	Stimulates growth via MAPK/ERK, JAK/STAT	Natural growth hormone. Secretion include peptide hormones; GHRH through binding to the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR); ghrelin through binding to growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSR); sex hormones; increased androgen secretion during puberty (males from testis and females from adrenal cortex); estrogen; clonidine and L-DOPA by stimulating GHRH release; hypoglycemia, arginine, propranolol by inhibiting somatostatin release; deep sleep; fasting; vigorous exercise. Inhibitors of GH secretion include somatostatin from the periventricular nucleus; circulating concentrations of GH and IGF-1 (negative feedback on the pituitary and hypothalamus); hyperglycemia; glucocorticoids; dihydrotestosterone.
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)/somatocrinin	Arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus	Arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus	Stimulates GH production and release by binding to the GHRH receptor on cells in the anterior pituitary	Amino acid peptide	cAMP, IP3	Neurohormone; Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-NH2
Histamine	Granules in mast cells (especially numerous at sites of potential injury) or in basophils	Granules in mast cells (especially numerous at sites of potential injury) or in basophils; non-mast cell histamine is found in several tissues, including the brain, where it is a neurotransmitter; enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell of the stomach	Bronchoconstriction, bronchial smooth muscle contraction, separation of endothelial cells (responsible for hives), and pain and itching due to insect stings; the primary receptors involved in allergic rhinitis symptoms and motion sickness; sleep regulation; vasodilation; stimulates gastric acid secretion; decreased neurotransmitter release: histamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin; plays a role in chemotaxis	Amine- histidine	H1histamine receptor (muscle, endothelium, CNS tissue); H2histamine receptor (parietal, vascular smooth muscle cells); H3histamine receptor (CNS and to a lesser extent PNS tissue); H4histamine receptor (basophils, bone marrow, thymus, intestine, spleen, colon)	Formula: C5H9N3. “H substance”/”substance H”
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)	Developing embryo after conception and later by syncytiotrophoblast (part of placenta)	Produced in pregnancy; made by the developing embryo after conception and later by syncytiotrophoblast (part of placenta)	Interacts with LHCG receptor; promotes maintenance of corpus luteum during beginning of pregnancy, causing it to secrete progesterone; may repel immune cells of the mother, protecting fetus during 1st trimester; may be a placental link for development of local maternal immunotolerance; plays a role in cellular differentiation/proliferation and may activate apoptosis	Glycoprotein	cAMP	Used as a tumor marker, for fertility, weight loss, and as an anabolic steroid
Human placental lactogen (HPL)/human chorionic somatomammotropin	Placenta	n/a	Affects the metabolic system of the maternal organism; decreases maternal insulin sensitivity, raising maternal blood glucose levels while decreasing maternal glucose utilization, ensuring adequate fetal nutrition; increases production of insulin; increases insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance; facilitates energy supply of fetus	Polypeptide	n/a	Is similar to HGH; in a bioassay, mimics the action of prolactin (it is unclear whether it has any role in lactation); chronic hypoglycemia leads to its level rising
Inhibin	Gonads (granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles; Sertoli cells of testes), pituitary gland, placenta	Gonads (granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles; Sertoli cells of testes), pituitary gland, placenta	Suppresses FSH synthesis; inhibits FSH secretion/production and GnRH release from the hypothalamus	Dimers composed of two similar beta subunits	Unknown	Inhibin B reaches a peak in the early- to mid-follicular phase, and a second peak at ovulation; inhibin A reaches its peak in the mid-luteal phase. Secretion is diminished by GnRH, enhanced by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); production stimulated by androgens
Insulin	Pancreas within the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans	Pancreas within the β-cells of the islets of Langerhans	Controls cellular intake of certain substances (mostly glucose in muscle and adipose tissue); increases DNA replication and protein synthesis via control of amino acid uptake; modifies the activity of numerous enzymes; forces storage of glucose in liver (and muscle) cells in the form of glycogen; forces fat cells to take in blood lipids, which are converted to triglycerides; forces adipose tissue to make fats (i.e., triglycerides) from fatty acid esters; decreases breakdown of protein; reduction in conversion of fat cell lipid stores into blood fatty acids; decreases production of glucose from non-sugar substrates, primarily in the liver; decreases level of degradation of damaged organelles; forces cells to absorb circulating amino acids; forces cells to absorb serum potassium; forces arterial wall muscle to relax, increasing blood flow, especially in micro arteries; increases secretion of hydrochloric acid by parietal cells in the stomach	Peptide	Tyrosine kinase	Low levels cause diabetes mellitus
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)	Hepatocytes of liver	Hepatocytes of liver	Acts as a neurotrophic factor, inducing the survival of neurons; causes skeletal muscle hypertrophy by inducing protein synthesis and blocking muscle atrophy; protective for cartilage cells; associated with activation of osteocytes, and thus may be an anabolic factor for bone; at high concentrations, capable of activating the insulin receptor, it can also complement for the effects of insulin; regulates neural development including neurogenesis, myelination, synaptogenesis, and dendritic branching and neuroprotection after neuronal damage; shapes the development of the cochlea; controls apoptosis	Polypeptide	Tyrosine kinase	Stimulated by growth hormone; very similar to insulin
Leptin (LEP)	White adipose tissue (mostly); brown adipose tissue; placenta (syncytiotrophoblasts); ovaries; skeletal muscle; stomach (lower part of fundic glands); mammary epithelial cells; bone marrow; pituitary; liver; gastric chief, P/D1 cells in stomach	Inhibits appetite (counteracts effects of NPY, anandamide (potent feeding stimulant) (inhibition is long-term); promotes the synthesis of α-MSH (appetite suppressant)	Peptide	n/a	Is response to fatty foods; absence leads to uncontrolled food intake and subsequent obesity; levels directly proportional to total amount of fat in body; from Greek leptos (thin)
Leukotrienes	Leukocytes (mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils)	Leukocytes (mast cells, eosinophila, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils)	Are involved in asthmatic and allergic reactions; act to sustain inflammatory reactions; have a chemotactic effect on migrating neutrophils; have a powerful effect in bronchoconstriction and increase vascular permeability	Eicosanoid	Synthesized from arachindonic acid by 5-lipoxygenase	Contributes to inflammation in asthma and bronchitis
Lipotropin	Anterior pituitary	Anterior pituitary	Stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin; lipolysis; steroidogenesis	Polypeptide	Produced by the cleavage of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) (AP produces the POMC, which undergoes cleavage to ACTH and β-lipotropin)	γ-lipotropin (56 amino acids), α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH, α-endorphin, β-endorphin, γ-endorphin, and met-enkephalin are all possible fragments of β-lipotropin
Luteinizing hormone (LH)	n/a	n/a	Female: Ovulation. Males: Stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone	Peptide	cAMP	n/a
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)	Intermediate pituitary	Intermediate pituitary	Stimulates production and release of melanin by melanocytes in skin and hair; will cause a darkening in humans too	Peptide	cAMP	Increases in humans during pregnancy; in people who cannot tan/have red hair, the variance is in the hormone receptor, making them unresponsive to MSH
Melatonin	Pineal	Liver (mostly), urine, saliva	Forms part of the system that regulates the sleep-wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature; promotes sleepiness; exerts a powerful antioxidant activity; prevent the damage to DNA by some carcinogens; interacts with the immune system (how remains unclear)	Amine- tryptophan	n/a	Infants' levels become regular in about the third month after birth, with the highest levels measured between midnight and 8 AM; production decreases as a person ages; production inhibited by light and permitted by darkness (“hormone of darkness”); onset each evening called the Dim-Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO); secretion, levels of of melatonin peak in the middle of the night, and gradually falls during the second half of the night; blue light around 460 to 480 nm, suppresses melatonin; levels high in those with vivid dreaming and hallucinations; autistic individuals may have lower than normal levels of melatonin; C13H16N2O2
Neuropeptide Y (NPY)	Hypothalamus	Hypothalamus	Regulates energy balance, memory and learning, epilepsy; increases food intake; decreases physical activity; increases proportion of energy stored as fat; blocks nociceptive signals to brain; augments vasoconstrictor effects of noradrenergic neurons	Peptide neurotransmitter	NPY receptors	Associated with obesity, anorexia nervosa
Norepinephrine/noradrenaline (NE/NA)	Adrenal medulla	Adrenal medulla and postganglionic neurons of sympathetic nervous system	Increases heart rate; triggers release of glucose from energy stores; increases blood flow to skeletal muscle; increases the brain's oxygen supply; suppresses neuroinflammation when released in the brain from the locus ceruleus	Amine- tyrosine (catecholamine)	Adrenergic receptors	Part of fight-or-flight response; neurotransmitter; stress hormone; synthesized from dopamine
Orexin/hypocretins	Lateral and posterior hypothalamus	Lateral and posterior hypothalamus	Promotes wakefulness, increases body temperature, locomotion and elicits a strong increase in energy expenditure; increases the craving for food, and correlates with the function of the substances that promote its production; very important link between metabolism and sleep regulation	Neuropeptide	n/a	Linked to Alzheimer’s
Oxytocin	Posterior pituitary	Magnocellular neurosecretory cells of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of hypothalamus	Letdown reflex; uterine contraction during labor; sexual arousal; feelings of contentment, reductions in anxiety, and feelings of calmness and security around mate; human bonding and decrease in fear; can reduce excretion of urine slightly; indirectly inhibits release of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol; reduces trust of strangers; increases cultural and racial bias; emotional bonding; maternal behavior; prepares fetal neurons for delivery to placenta	Peptide (cys-tyr-ile-gln-asn-cys-pro-leu-gly)	n/a	Triggered by cervical/uterine stretching, suckling of infant
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)	Parathyroid	Parathyroid	Enhances release of calcium from bones; enhances active reabsorption of calcium and magnesium from distal tubules into kidney; increases the excretion of phosphate, with a net loss in plasma phosphate concentration; enhances the absorption of calcium in the intestine by increasing the production of activated vitamin D; increases breakdown of bone by osteoclasts	Peptide	cAMP	Controlled by negative feedback; opposite of calcitonin
Progesterone (P4)	Ovary, adrenal glands, placenta	Ovary, adrenal glands, placenta	Converts endometrium to its secretory stage to prepare the uterus for implantation; affects the vaginal epithelium and cervical mucus, making it thick and impenetrable to sperm; decreases maternal immune response to allow for the acceptance of the pregnancy; contractility of the uterine smooth muscle; inhibits lactation during pregnancy; raises epidermal growth factor-1 levels, a factor often used to induce and sustain stem cells; increases core temperature during ovulation; reduces spasm; relaxes smooth muscle; widens bronchi; regulates mucus; acts as an anti-inflammatory agent; regulates immune response; reduces gall-bladder activity; normalizes blood clotting and vascular tone, zinc and copper levels, cell oxygen levels, and use of fat stores for energy; may affect gum health, increasing risk of gingivitis and tooth decay; regulates effects of estrogen	Steroid- sex (progestagen)	Direct	Pregnancy hormone
Prolactin (PRL)/luteotropic hormone (LTH)	Hypothalamus, anterior pituitary	Lactotropes	Regulates lactation; stimulates proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells; stimulates the mammary glands for lactation; sexual gratification (counteracts effect of dopamine, which is responsible for sexual arousal); stimulates proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells; contributes to surfactant synthesis of the fetal lungs at the end of the pregnancy and immune tolerance of the fetus by the mo during pregnancy; decreases normal levels of sex hormones (estrogen in women and testosterone in men); enhances LH-receptors in Leydig cells, resulting in testosterone secretion, which leads to spermatogenesis; delays hair regrowth in mice; promotes neurogenesis	Single-chain polypeptide	Prolactin receptor	Inhibited by dopamine; supported by TRH, GRH
Prostacyclin (PGI2)	Endothelial cells	Endothelial cells	Prevents formation of the platelet plug involved in primary hemostasis; inhibits platelet activation; is an effective vasodilator	Eicosanoid	cAMP	“Epoprostenol” as a drug
Relaxin (RLN)	Female: corpus luteum of ovary; breast; placenta; chorion; decidua. Male: prostate	Female: corpus luteum of ovary; breast; placenta; chorion; decidua. Male: prostate; semen	Enhances motility of sperm in males	Peptide	Receptors	Belongs in the insulin superfamily
Renin/angiotensinogenase	Kidney cells (of the afferent arterioles)	Granular cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidney	Mediates extracellular volume (blood plasma, lymph and interstitial fluid), arterial vasoconstriction; regulates the body's mean arterial blood pressure	Peptide (406 amino acids)	Circulates in bloodstream and breaks down	Stimulated by a decrease in arterial blood pressure; a decrease in sodium chloride levels in the ultra-filtrate of the nephron; and sympathetic nervous system activity
Secretin (SCT)	Duodenum	Cytoplasmic secretory granules of S-cells (mainly in mucosa of duodenum, and less so in jejunum of small intestine)	Increases watery bicarbonate solution from pancreatic duct epithelium; increases water and bicarbonate secretion from duodenal Brunner's glands; enhances effects of cholecystokinin to induce secretion of digestive enzymes and bile from pancreas and gallbladder, respectively; counteracts blood glucose concentration spikes by triggering increased insulin release from pancreas, following oral glucoseintake; inhibits gastrin release from stomach; reduces acid secretion from stomach; stimulates pepsin secretion from chief cells, which can help break down proteins in food digestion; stimulates release of glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide and somatostatin	Peptide	n/a	Discovered by William Bayless in 1902, who coined the term ‘hormone’ in 1905
Serotonin/ 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)	Enterochromaffin cells in the gut	Enterochromaffin cells in the gut; serotonergic neurons in the CNS	Regulates mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contractions, memory, and learning; mediates gut movements, perception of resource availability; functions as a neurotransmitter; activates muscles used for feeding; suppresses insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas; acts as a growth factor; stimulates cellular growth to repair liver damage; activates osteoblasts and osteoclasts	Amine-tryptophan	Serotonylation	Neurotransmitter; found in all bilateral animals; levels affected by diet; released in response to food in lumen
Somatostatin (SRIF)	Stomach; intestine; delta cells of the pancreas	Neuroendocrine neurons of the periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus; arcuate nucleus; hippocampus; brainstem nucleus of solitary tract	Inhibits release of GH; inhibits release of TSH; inhibits adenylyl cyclase in parietal cells; suppresses release of gastrointestinal hormones (gastrin; CCK; SCT; motilin; vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP); gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP); enteroglucagon); decreases rate of gastric emptying; reduces smooth muscle contractions and blood flow within intestine; suppresses release of pancreatic hormones; inhibits insulin release when released from delta cells of pancreas; inhibits release of glucagon; suppresses exocrine secretory action of pancreas	Inhibitory peptide	n/a	n/a
Testosterone	Testes of males and ovaries of females; small amounts by adrenal glands	Testes of males and ovaries of females; small amounts by adrenal glands	Promotes protein synthesis and growth of those tissues with androgen receptors; builds up bone and muscle mass; stimulates linear growth and bone maturation; matures sex organs (particularly penis and scrotum in fetus, and at puberty a deepening of voice, growth of beard and axillary hair); genital virilization; develops prostate and seminal vesicles; adult-type body odor; increased oiliness of skin, hair; acne; appearance of pubic hair; axillary hair; growth spurt; accelerated bone maturation; hair on upper lip and sideburns; enlargement of sebaceous glands; phallic enlargement; increased libido and frequency of erection; pubic hair growth; facial hair; balding; chest, leg, axillary hair; subcutaneous fat in face decreases; increased muscle strength and mass; deepens of voice; growth of Adam's apple; growth of spermatogenic tissue in testicles, male fertility; growth of jaw, brow, chin, nose, and remodeling of facial bone contours; shoulders become broader and rib cage expands; completes bone maturation and termination of growth	Steroid- sex (androgen)	Direct	“Manly” hormone
Thrombopoietin (TPO)	Liver: parenchymal, sinusoidal endothelial cells; kidney: proximal convoluted tubule cells; striated muscle; stromal cells in bone marrow	Liver: parenchymal, sinusoidal endothelial cells; kidney: proximal convoluted tubule cells; striated muscle; stromal cells in bone marrow	Regulates the differentiation of megakaryocytes, platelets; produces platelets	Peptide	n/a	n/a
Thromboxane (TXA2)	Platelets	Platelets	A vasoconstrictor, potent hypertensive agent; facilitates platelet aggregation	Eicosanoid	Receptors	n/a
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)	Thyrotrope cells in the anterior pituitary	Thyrotrope cells in the anterior pituitary	Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete T4 and T3	Peptide	cAMP	n/a
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)	Hypothalamus in medial neurons of the paraventricular nucleus	Hypothalamus in medial neurons of the paraventricular nucleus	Stimulates the release of TSH	Peptide	IP3	n/a
Thyroxine (T4)/ triiodothyronine (T3)	Follicular cells of thyroid	Follicular cells of thyroid	Increases basal metabolic rate; stimulates production of RNA Polymerase I and II; increases rate of protein synthesis; increases rate of protein degradation; potentiates effects of β-adrenergic receptors on metabolism of glucose; increases rate of glycogen breakdown and glucose synthesis in gluconeogenesis; potentiates effects of insulin; stimulates breakdown of cholesterol; increases number of LDL receptors; increasing rate of lipolysis; increases heart rate and force of contraction; increases cardiac output; increases systolic blood pressure; decreases diastolic blood pressure; affects lungs; influences postnatal growth of central nervous system; stimulates production of myelin, neurotransmitters, axon growth; important in linear growth of bones	Amine- tyrosine	Direct	n/a