TROPIC HORMONE (TROPHIC HORMONE)

Tropic Hormone

Tropic hormones are hormones that have other endocrine glands as their target. Most tropic hormones are produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus secretes tropic hormones that target the anterior pituitary, and the thyroid gland secretes thyroxine, which targets the hypothalamus and therefore can be considered a tropic hormone.

The term tropic is from Ancient Greek τροπικός (tropikós), in the sense “of or pertaining to a turn or change”, meaning “causing a change, affecting”; this is the same origin as tropic and trope.

Types of Tropic Hormones

There are many different types of tropic hormones, each of which has a specific target gland. Some of the most common tropic hormones include:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormone.
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH stimulates the release of steroid hormones in gonads—the ovary and testes.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH stimulates the maturation of eggs and production of sperm.
• Prolactin (PRL): PRL stimulates milk production in females.
• Growth hormone (GH): GH stimulates growth and cell division.

Functions of Tropic Hormones

Tropic hormones play a vital role in the body. They help to regulate the production and release of hormones from other endocrine glands, which in turn helps to maintain homeostasis in the body.

For example, TSH helps to regulate the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is essential for many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and development. If TSH levels are too low, it can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. If TSH levels are too high, it can lead to hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.

ACTH helps to regulate the production of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticoids are hormones that help to regulate the body’s response to stress. If ACTH levels are too low, it can lead to Addison’s disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough glucocorticoids. If ACTH levels are too high, it can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much glucocorticoids.

LH and FSH help to regulate the production of sex hormones from the ovaries and testes. Sex hormones are essential for reproduction, growth, and development. If LH and FSH levels are too low, it can lead to infertility. If LH and FSH levels are too high, it can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which the ovaries produce too much testosterone.

PRL helps to stimulate milk production in females. If PRL levels are too low, it can lead to a condition called hypogalactia, in which women do not produce enough milk. If PRL levels are too high, it can lead to a condition called hyperprolactinemia, which can cause infertility and other problems.

GH helps to stimulate growth and cell division. If GH levels are too low, it can lead to a condition called dwarfism. If GH levels are too high, it can lead to a condition called acromegaly, which is characterized by excessive growth of the bones and soft tissues.

Disorders of Tropic Hormones

Abnormal levels of tropic hormones can lead to a variety of health problems. Some of the most common disorders of tropic hormones include:

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.
• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, and heat intolerance.
• Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough glucocorticoids. Symptoms of Addison’s disease can include fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure.
• Cushing’s syndrome: Cushing’s syndrome is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much glucocorticoids. Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome can include weight gain, moon face, buffalo hump, muscle weakness, and easy bruising.
• Infertility: Infertility is a condition in which a couple is unable to conceive after trying for 12 months or more. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including low levels of LH and FSH.
• Growth disorders: Growth disorders are a group of conditions that