Anterior Pituitary Hormones that affect OTHER glands

TSH: Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

Source: Anterior pituitary
Stimulus for release: TRH from hypothalamus
Target: Thyroid gland
Effect: Stimulates secretion of T₃ and T₄

TRH: Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Source: Hypothalamus
Stimulus for release: Low thyroid hormone levels; cold; low metabolic rate
Target: Anterior pituitary
Effect: Stimulates release of TSH

Somatostatin: (GHIH)

Source: Hypothalamus
Stimulus for release: High GH levels
Target: Anterior pituitary
Effect: Inhibits growth hormone release

ACTH: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Source: Anterior pituitary
Stimulus for release: CRH
Target: Adrenal cortex
Effect: Stimulates cortisol secretion

CRH: Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone

Source: Hypothalamus
Stimulus for release: Stress; low cortisol levels
Target: Anterior pituitary
Effect: Stimulates release of ACTH

PRL: Prolactin

Source: Anterior pituitary
Stimulus for release: PRH; decreased PIF
Target: Mammary glands
Effect: Stimulates milk production

PRH: Prolactin-Releasing Hormone

Source: Hypothalamus
Stimulus for release: Pregnancy, suckling
Target: Anterior pituitary
Effect: Stimulates prolactin secretion

PIF: Prolactin-Inhibiting Factor (Dopamine)

Source: Hypothalamus
Stimulus for release: Normal condition (tonic inhibition)
Target: Anterior pituitary
Effect: Inhibits prolactin secretion

LH: Luteinizing Hormone

Source: Anterior pituitary
Stimulus for release: GnRH
Target: Ovaries and testes
Effect:

• Females: ovulation, estrogen & progesterone secretion

• Males: testosterone production

GnRH: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

Source: Hypothalamus
Stimulus for release: Low sex hormone levels
Target: Anterior pituitary
Effect: Stimulates release of LH and FSH

FSH: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Source: Anterior pituitary
Stimulus for release: GnRH
Target: Ovaries and testes
Effect:

• Females: follicle development, estrogen secretion

• Males: sperm production