Protein derivative hormones, also known as peptide or polypeptide hormones, are a class of hormones made from chains of amino acids. These hormones play critical roles in regulating various physiological processes. Here are some key examples:
Key Examples of Protein Derivative Hormones
The reference provided lists several important protein hormones:
- Insulin: Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
- Glucagon: Also produced by the pancreas, glucagon works in opposition to insulin, increasing blood glucose levels.
- Thyrocalcitonin (Calcitonin): Secreted by the thyroid gland, calcitonin helps to lower blood calcium levels.
- Pituitary Hormones: This category includes a wide array of hormones released by the pituitary gland, such as growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), all crucial for endocrine function.
- Hypothalamic Hormones: The hypothalamus produces several hormones that regulate the pituitary gland, including releasing and inhibiting hormones like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
Properties of Protein Derivative Hormones
- Water-Soluble: They are generally water-soluble, which means they can readily travel through the bloodstream.
- Receptor Binding: These hormones typically bind to receptors on the cell surface of their target cells. This binding then triggers a cascade of intracellular events, which eventually produce a response.
- Rapid Action: Because they do not need to enter the cell to initiate a response, their action is relatively rapid.
- Synthesis: They are produced through a process involving gene transcription and translation, where amino acids are linked together to form the hormone.
Table of Protein Hormones and Their Function
| Hormone | Source | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin | Pancreas | Lowers blood glucose levels |
| Glucagon | Pancreas | Increases blood glucose levels |
| Calcitonin | Thyroid | Lowers blood calcium levels |
| Pituitary Hormones | Pituitary Gland | Regulates various endocrine functions |
| Hypothalamic Hormones | Hypothalamus | Controls the release of pituitary hormones |
Additional Insights
- Protein hormones often act through a second messenger system, where the hormone binds to a receptor, and this receptor then activates a secondary molecule inside the cell, creating an amplification effect and allowing many intracellular molecules to be activated by binding with only one hormone molecule.
- Disruptions in protein hormone production or receptor function can lead to various endocrine disorders.
- Many therapeutic drugs are based on peptides, using the natural properties of the hormones.
