Endocrine Hormones

ADH (antidiuretic hormone)

Produced by Posterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets kidneys for water conservation.

OCT (oxytocin)

Produced by Posterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets mammary glands and uterus to induce milk movement into secretory ducts and induce uterine contractions during childbirth.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropin)

Produced by Anterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets the adrenal cortex to stimulate the release of cortisol.

TSH (thyrotropin)

Produced by Anterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets thyroid gland to stimulate release of thyroid hormones.

LH (Luteinizing hormone)

Produced by Anterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets ovaries and testes to stimulate estrogen secretion and egg maturation; stimulates sperm production.

PRL (prolactin)

Produced by Anterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets mammary glands to stimulate and sustain milk production.

STH (GH) (Somatotrophin or growth hormone)

Produced by Anterior lobe of Pituitary Gland. Targets most cells to promote growth and induce protein synthesis, cell division, and metabolism.

Glucocorticoids

Produced by adrenal cortex. Target most cells to promote breakdown of glycogen, fats, and proteins as energy sources; raise blood level of glucose.

Mineralocorticoids

Produced by adrenal cortex. Target the kidney to promote sodium reabsorption and help control the salt-water balance.

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Produced by adrenal medulla. Targets liver, muscle, and adipose tissue to raise blood level of sugar and fatty acids; increases heart rate and force of contraction.

Norepinephrine

Produced by adrenal medulla. Targets smooth muscle of blood vessels to promote constriction or dilation of certain blood vessels, thus helps control the flow of blood volume to different regions of the body.

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine

Produced by thyroid. Target most cells to regulate metabolism.

Calcitonin

Produced by thyroid. Target bone to lower calcium levels in blood.

Parathyroid hormone

Produced by parathyroid. Targets bone and kidney to raise calcium level in blood.

Androgens

Produced by testes. Required in sperm formation and development of genitals. Maintain sexual traits, growth, and development.

Estrogens

Produced by ovaries. Required for egg maturation and release; prepare uterine lining for pregnancy and develop genitals, sexual traits, growth, and development.

Progesterone

Produced by ovaries. Prepares and maintains uterine lining for pregnancy. Stimulates breast tissues.

Insulin

Produced by Pancreatic Islets. Targets liver, muscle, and adipose tissue to promote cell uptake of glucose and lowers glucose level in blood.

Glucagon

Produced by Pancreatic Islets. Targets liver to promote glycogen breakdown and raise glucose level in blood.

Somatostatin

Produced by Pancreatic Islets. Targets insulin-secreting cells to inhibit digestion of nutrients, hence their absorption from gut.

Thymopoietin and thymosin

Produced by thymus. Target T lymphocytes.

Melatonin

Produced by Pineal. Target Gonads to influence daily biorhythms and seasonal sexual activity.