ANSC 3080 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Gonadotropic Cell, Catabolism, Half-Life
Document Summary
Regulates ans and most of endocrine system. Pituitary is a small gland underneath the hypo. Anterior: major endocrine part (glandular tissue, master gland) Intermediate: major function in amphibians and fish (melanocyte stimulating hormone. Anterior lobe + intermediate = anterior pituitary. Some project axons down the posterior pituitary lobe. Some release factors into the pituitary stalk portal venous system to feed the anterior pituitary. Portal system=bypass the systemic circulation, connect between capillary beds. Endocrine cells from the anterior and intermediate pituitary release their hormones in a second capillary network to enter the systemic circulation. Hypothalamus have neuron axons going into the posterior lobe and releasing hormone directly into the bloodstream (true neuroendocrine) Function not well understood in mammals, not well developed. Produces msh (melanocyte stimulating hormone = increased skin pigment. Produce beta-lipotropin (beta-lph) = degraded to beta-endorphin = analgesia during stress to overcome pain. All derived from common gene pomc (pro-opiomelanocortin) which is cleaved into smaller peptides.