Abstract

The hormones of the anterior pituitary gland play a significant role in the maintenance of normal health and body function. This master gland produces hormones involved in the regulation of somatic growth, metabolic rate, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, lactation, reproduction, and response to stress. Eleven anterior pituitary hormones have been extensively characterized at the protein and genomic levels. These hormones fall into three classic categories, ie, pro-opiomelanocortin-related (POMC-related) hormones, proteins structurally related to prolactin and growth hormone (PRL/GH-related), and glycoproteins. Structural similarities exist within each biochemical category, and the structural data presented represent listings in the Protein Identification Resource (PIR) database, compiled by the National Biomedical Research Foundation. Summary information on the principal biologic roles of each of these hormones is provided, as are commercial availability and source.