Index to this page
The Anterior Lobe
  1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  2. Gonadotropins
  3. Prolactin (PRL)
  4. Growth Hormone (GH)
  5. ACTH
  6. Alpha Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)
The Posterior Lobe

Hormones of the Pituitary

The pituitary gland is pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain. In humans, it consists of two lobes:
Link to graphic showing the location
of the pituitary and other endocrine
glands (92K).

The Anterior Lobe

The anterior lobe contains six types of secretory cells, all but one of which (#2 above) are specialized to secrete only one of the anterior lobe hormones. All of them secrete their hormone in response to hormones reaching them from the hypothalamus of the brain.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH (also known as thyrotropin) is a glycoprotein consisting of: The secretion of TSH is As its name suggests, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete its hormone thyroxine (T4). It does this by binding to transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the surface of the cells of the thyroid.

Some people develop antibodies against their own TSH receptors. When these bind the receptors, they "fool" the cell into making more T4 causing hyperthyroidism. The condition is called thyrotoxicosis or Graves' disease.

Hormone deficiencies

A deficiency of TSH causes hypothyroidism: inadequate levels of T4 (and thus of T3 [Link]). Recombinant human TSH has recently become available to treat patients with TSH deficiency.

Some people inherit mutant TSH receptors. This, too, results in hypothyroidism.

A deficiency of TSH, or mutant TSH receptors, have also been implicated as a cause of osteoporosis. Mice, whose TSH receptors have been knocked out, develop increased numbers of bone-reabsorbing osteoclasts.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein consisting of Synthesis and release of FSH is triggered by the arrival from the hypothalamus of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The effect of FSH depends on one's sex

FSH in females

In sexually-mature females, FSH (assisted by LH) acts on the follicle to stimulate it to release estrogens.

FSH in males

In sexually-mature males, FSH acts on spermatogonia stimulating (with the aid of testosterone) the production of sperm.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH is synthesized within the same pituitary cells as FSH and under the same stimulus (GnRH). It is also a heterodimeric glycoprotein consisting of The effects of LH also depend on sex.

LH in females

In sexually-mature females, LH

LH in males

LH acts on the interstitial cells (also known as Leydig cells) of the testes stimulating them to synthesize and secrete the male sex hormone, testosterone.

LH in males is also known as interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH).

Discussion of the negative-feedback loops that control the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Prolactin (PRL)

Prolactin is a protein of 198 amino acids. During pregnancy it helps in the preparation of the breasts for future milk production.

After birth, prolactin promotes the synthesis of milk.

Prolactin secretion is

In pregnant mice, prolactin stimulates the growth of new neurons in the olfactory center of the brain.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Human growth hormone (also called somatotropin) is a protein of 191 amino acids. The GH-secreting cells are stimulated to synthesize and release GH by the intermittent arrival of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) from the hypothalamus. GH promotes body growth by:

Things that can go wrong.

Hormone-replacement therapy

GH from domestic mammals like cows and pigs does not work in humans. So for many years, the only source of GH for therapy was that extracted from the glands of human cadavers. But this supply was shut off when several patients died from a rare neurological disease attributed to contaminated glands. Now, thanks to recombinant DNA technology, recombinant human GH (rHGH) is available. While a great benefit to patients suffering from GH deficiency, there has also been pressure to use it to stimulate growth in youngsters who have no deficiency but whose parents want them to grow up tall. And so, in the summer of 2003, the U.S. FDA approved the use of human growth hormone (HGH) for even though otherwise perfectly healthy.

ACTH — the adrenocorticotropic hormone

ACTH is a peptide of 39 amino acids. It is cut from a larger precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC).

ACTH acts on the cells of the adrenal cortex, stimulating them to produce

Production of ACTH depends on the intermittent arrival of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus.

Hypersecretion of ACTH is a frequent cause of Cushing's disease.

Alpha Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)

Alpha MSH is also a cleavage product of proopiomelanocortin (POMC). In fact, α-MSH is identical to the first 13 amino acids at the amino terminal of ACTH.

MSH is discussed in a separate page. Link to it.

The Posterior Lobe

The posterior lobe of the pituitary releases two hormones, both synthesized in the hypothalamus, into the circulation.
Welcome&Next Search

9 November 2005