Table of Major Human Hormones

Hormones: Steroid & Peptide, Specialized Topics

Last Updated: May 24, 2023

Common Vertebrate Hormones

Hormone
Structure
Functions
Skeletal Muscle Hormones (Myokines)
Secreted Factors: Tissue "Kines" page (more complete listing)

22kDa proteolytic fragment of the transmembrane protein FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5)

expression induced, in skeletal muscle, by PGC1-α in response to exercise, induces a conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into a more brown fat (BAT) type, generally referred to as beige or brite fat cells
Pituitary Hormones
posterior pituitary peptide; polypeptide of 9 amino acids CYIQNCPLG (C residues are disulfide bonded)

uterine contraction, causes milk ejection in lactating females (the "let-down" response), responds to suckling reflex and estradiol, lowers steroid synthesis in testes

(antidiuretic hormone, ADH)

posterior pituitary peptide; polypeptide of 9 amino acids CYFQNCPRG (C residues are disulfide bonded)
responds to osmoreceptor which senses extracellular [Na+], blood pressure regulation, increases H2O reabsorption from distal tubules in kidney, loss results in dilute urine and polydipsia (constant thirst) condition termed diabetes insipidus

anterior pituitary peptides derived from POMC:

α polypeptide: 13 amino acids

β polypeptide: 18 amino acids

γ polypeptide: 12 amino acids

α-MSH most significant, involved in control of appetite and feeding behaviors via melanocortin receptor (MC4R)-expressing neurons in hypothalamus, immunomodulation via MC1R-expressing monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), down-regulates the production of proinflammatory and immunomodulating cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13) as well as the expression of costimulatory molecules (CD86, CD40, ICAM-1) on antigen-presenting DCs

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) also called corticotropin

anterior pituitary peptide derived from POMC; polypeptide: 39 amino acids

stimulates cells of adrenal gland to increase steroid synthesis and secretion

Lipotropin (LPH)

anterior pituitary peptides derived from POMC:

β polypeptide: 93 amino acids

γ polypeptide: 60 amino acids

increases fatty acid release from adipocytes

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); also known as Thyrotropin

anterior pituitary peptides; two peptides: α peptide is 96 amino acids; β peptide is 112 amino acids

acts on thyroid follicle cells to stimulate thyroid hormone synthesis
Growth hormone (GH, or somatotropin)

anterior pituitary peptide: 191 amino acids

general anabolic stimulant, increases release of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), cell growth and bone sulfation
Prolactin (PRL)

anterior pituitary peptide: 197 amino acids

stimulates differentiation of secretory cells of mammary gland and stimulates milk synthesis

Luteinizing hormone (LH); human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is similar and produced in placenta

anterior pituitary peptides; two peptides: α peptide is 96 amino acids; β peptide is 121 amino acids

increases ovarian progesterone synthesis, luteinization; acts on Leydig cells of testes to increase testosterone synthesis and release and increases interstitial cell development

anterior pituitary peptides; two proteins: α peptide is 96 amino acids; β peptide is 120 amino acids

ovarian follicle development and ovulation, increases estrogen production; acts on Sertoli cells of seminiferous tubule to increase spermatogenesis

Hypothalamic Hormones & Peptides

two peptides from single preproprotein; orexin A is 33 amino acids, orexin B is 28 amino acids

important roles in the emotional and motivational aspects of feeding behavior, increases food consumption (orexigenic) hence derivation of peptide name; increases wakefulness and suppresses REM sleep

19 amino acid cyclic peptide

important orexigenic (appetite stimulating) hormone

36 amino acids, five receptors termed Y receptors

effects on hypothalamic function in appetite, controls feeding behavior and energy homeostasis, levels increase during starvation to induce food intake

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF or CRH)

peptide of 41 amino acids

acts on corticotrope to release ACTH and β-endorphin (lipotropin)

Gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnRF or GnRH)

peptide of 10 amino acids

acts on gonadotrophs to release LH and FSH

Prolactin-release inhibiting factor (PIF or PIH)

is the neurotransmitter dopamine

acts on lactotrophs to inhibit prolactin release

Growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF or GHRH)

protein of 40 and 44 amino acids

stimulates GH secretion

Somatostatin (SIF, also called growth hormone-release inhibiting factor, GHIF)

peptide of 14 and 28 amino acids

inhibits GH and TSH secretion

Thyrotropin-releasing factor (TRF; also called thyrotropin releasing hormone: TRH)

peptide of 3 amino acids derived from a 242 amino acid precursor; when fully processed the C-terminal Gln residue is converted to pyroglutamate which is a cyclic amino acid; active peptide is NH2-Pro-His-Glu(pyro)

stimulates TSH and prolactin secretion

Thyroid Hormones

iodinated dityrosine derivatives

responds to TSH and stimulates oxidations in many cells

protein of 32 amino acids

produced in parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, its role in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis is insignificant in humans

hormone is termed αCGRP; protein of 37 amino acids; product of the calcitonin gene (CALCA) as a result of alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA in the brain; a related protein (βCGRP) is derived from the CALCB gene

functions in nociception (sensation of pain) and in homeostasis of the cardiovascular system through functioning as a potent vasodilator

Parathyroid Hormones

protein of 84 amino acids

regulation of Ca2+ and Pi homeostasis, stimulates renal reabsorption of Ca2+ and bone Ca2+ release thus increasing serum Ca2+, also stimulates renal phosphate (PO43–) efflux
Adipose Tissue Hormones (Adipokines)
Adipose Tissue: Not Just Fat page (more complete listing)

167 amino acid precursor processed to 146 amino acids

regulation of overall body weight by limiting food intake and increasing energy expenditure, regulation of the neuroendocrine axis, inflammatory responses, blood pressure, and bone mass

244 amino acid protein with four distinct functional domains

major biological actions are increases in insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation

108 amino acid preprotein in humans

induces insulin resistance

Hormones and Peptides of the Gut
additional discussion of gut hormones: Gut-Brain Interrelationships page

predominant form is 33 amino acids

stimulates gallbladder contraction and bile flow, increases secretion of digestive enzymes from pancreas

derived from N-terminal end of pancreatic colipase; pentapeptide sequence of human enterostatin is APGPR

regulates fat intake, peripheral or central administration inhibits consumption of a high-fat diet but not a low-fat diet

216 amino acids; member of the large FGF family of growth factors
produced in ileum, expression of gene activated by transcription factor FXR ; FXR is activated when ileal enterocytes absorb bile acids; when released to the portal circulation FGF19 stimulates hepatic glycogen and protein synthesis while inhibiting glucose production

Gastrin

17 amino acids (little gastrin) and 34 amino acids (big gastrin)

produced by stomach antrum, stimulates acid and pepsin secretion, also stimulates pancreatic secretions

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP); a bombesin-like peptide family member

27 amino acids

stimulates release of gastrin from G cells of the stomach and CCK from small intestinal enteroendocrine I cells

28 amino acids derived from preproghrelin protein; acylated on Ser3 with n-octanoic acid, non-acylated forms found in circulation also but not bioactive

appetite stimulation, stimulates NPY release, regulation of energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, gastric secretion and emptying, insulin secretion

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) formerly called enteroglucagon

two forms: 31 amino acids, GLP-1(7-37) and 30 amino acids, GLP-1(7-36)amide

potentiates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, inhibits gastric emptying

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) originally called gastric inhibitory polypeptide

42 amino acids

inhibits secretion of gastric acid, enhances insulin secretion

Motilin

22 amino acids

controls gastrointestinal muscles, stimulates release of PP, stimulates gallbladder contractions

Nesfatin

182 amino acids

proteolytic product of the 420 amino acid precursor protein encoded by the NUCB2 (nucleobindin 2) gene; following removal of the 24 amino acid signal peptide the 396 amino acid peptide is cleaved by proprotein convertases 1/3 (PC 1/3) and PC2; nesfatin-1 consists of amino acids 1–82; proteolytic processing also generates nesfatin-2 (amino acids 85–163) and nesfatin-3 (amino acids 166–396); stimulates reduced feeding via actions in the hypothalamus

Neuromedin B; a bombesin-like peptide family member

10 amino acids (amidated)

secretion of gastrin, CCK, GIP, insulin; smooth muscle contraction; enhances food intake

23 amino acids derived from preproghrelin protein

acts in opposition to ghrelin action on appetite

37 amino acids, the first 29 are identical to glucagon

contains all of the amino acids of glucagon; inhibits meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion similar to GLP-1 and GLP-2 action; induces satiety, decreases weight gain, and increases energy consumption; has weak affinity for GLP-1 receptor as well as glucagon receptor, may mimic glucagon actions in liver and pancreas

Secretin

27 amino acids

secreted from duodenum at pH values below 4.5, stimulates pancreatic acinar cells to release bicarbonate and H2O

14 amino acid version

inhibits release and action of numerous gut peptides, e.g. CCK, OXM, PP, gastrin, secretin, motilin, GIP; also inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion from pancreas

Substance P, a member of the tachykinin family that includes neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB)

11 amino acids

CNS function in pain (nociception), involved in vomit reflex, stimulates salivary secretions, induces vasodilation; antagonists have anti-depressant properties

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)

28 amino acids

produced by hypothalamus and GI tract, relaxes the GI, inhibits acid and pepsin secretion, acts as a neurotransmitter in peripheral autonomic nervous system, increases secretion of H2O and electrolytes from pancreas and gut
Pancreatic Polypeptide (polypeptide fold) Family

36 amino acids

suppresses glucose-induced insulin secretion, inhibits bicarbonate and protein secretion from pancreas

36 amino acids

inhibits gastric motility by inhibiting cholinergic neurotransmission, inhibits gastric acid secretion, induces sensations of satiety

36 amino acids

binds to five receptors termed Y receptors; effects on hypothalamic function in appetite, controls feeding behavior and energy homeostasis, levels increase during starvation to induce food intake

Amphiregulin

two peptides: 78 amino acid truncated form and 84 amino acid form with six additional N-terminal amino acids

homology to EGF and binds to the EGF receptor (EGFR)

Pancreatic Hormones

37 amino acids, intrachain disulfide bonded

also called islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), produced by β-cells of the pancreas, co-secreted with insulin; reduces the rate of gastric emptying, suppresses of food intake, and suppresses post-meal glucagon secretion

disulfide bonded dipeptide of 21 and 30 amino acids

produced by β-cells of the pancreas, increases glucose uptake and utilization, increases lipogenesis, general anabolic effects

polypeptide of 29 amino acids

produced by α-cells of the pancreas, increases lipid mobilization and glycogenolysis in order to increase blood glucose levels

polypeptide of 36 amino acids

increases glycogenolysis, regulation of gastrointestinal activity

14 amino acid version

inhibition of glucagon and somatotropin release from pancreatic islet cells

Placental Hormones

steroids

maintenance of pregnancy

steroids

mimic action of progesterone

two proteins: α form is 96 amino acids; β form is 147

activity similar to LH

Chorionic somatomammotropin: also called placental lactogen

protein of 191 amino acids

acts like prolactin and GH

Relaxin

two proteins of 22 and 32 amino acids

produced in ovarian corpus luteum, inhibits myometrial contractions, secretion increases during gestation

Gonadal Hormones
Estrogens (ovarian)

steroids: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3)

estradiol is most potent estrogen and it is the major hormone involved in the maturation and function of female secondary sex organs; estrone is predominant during menopause; estriol predominates in pregnancy; estrogens promote maturation of sperm in males and contribute to libido

Progestins (ovarian)

steroid: progesterone

implantation of ovum and maintenance of pregnancy

Androgens (testicular)

steroid: testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

maturation and function of male secondary sex organs; testosterone in females participates in bone mass and muscle mass and strength, also contributes to female libido

Inhibins A and B

the inhibin alpha (α) peptide is 134 amino acids and is encoded by the INHA gene; the α-peptide forms disulfide bonds with either the inhibin beta A (115 amino acids encoded by the INHBA gene) peptide forming inhibin A or with the inhibin beta B (116 amino acid encoded by the INHBB gene) peptide forming inhibin B

inhibition of FSH secretion

Adrenal Cortical Hormones

steroids: cortisol and corticosterone

diverse effects on inflammation and protein synthesis

steroids: aldosterone

maintenance of salt balance

Adrenal Medullary Hormones
Epinephrine (adrenalin)

derived from tyrosine

classic "fight-or-flight" response, increases glycogenolysis, lipid mobilization, smooth muscle contraction, cardiac function, binds to all classes of catecholamine receptors (α- and β-adrenergic)

Norepinephrine (noradrenalin)

derived from tyrosine

classic "fight-or-flight" response, lipid mobilization, arteriole contraction, also acts as neurotransmitter in the CNS, released from noradrenergic neurons, binds all catecholamine receptors except β2-adrenergic
Liver Hormones (Hepatokines)
Growth Factors and Tissue "kines" page (more complete listing)
polypeptide of 8 amino acids derived from angiotensinogen (present in the α2-globulin fraction of plasma) which is cleaved by the kidney enzyme renin to give the decapeptide, angiotensin I, the C-terminal 2 amino acids are then released (by action of angiotensin-converting enzyme, ACE) to yield angiotensin II

responsible for essential hypertension through stimulated synthesis and release of aldosterone from adrenal cells

Kidney Hormones
Calcitriol [1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3]

derived from 7-dehydrocholesterol

responsible for maintenance of calcium and phosphorous homeostasis, increases intestinal Ca2+ uptake, regulates bone mineralization

derived from 193 amino acid precursor protein

highly glycosylated hormone (40% of total mass) that is also considered a growth factor; is required for erythropoiesis in the bone marrow; exerts its effects by binding the EPO receptor, EPOR

Cardiac and Vascular Hormones

126 amino acid precursor is cleaved to release an N-terminal peptide that is similar to vasoactive peptide, the C-terminus possesses the ANP activity

released from heart atria in response to hypervolemia; actions include natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretion, also plays a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis

three family members: ET-1, ET-2, ET-3; all are 21 amino acid peptides with two Cys-Cys disulfide bonds

released from endothelial cells; interact with G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) identified as ETA and ETB; endothelins primarily mediate smooth muscle contraction upon binding to endothelin receptors on these cells; can elicit smooth muscle relaxation through interactions with endothelin receptors on endothelial cells which results in increased nitric oxide (NO) production; the ETB receptor had been suggested to exist in two forms, ETB1 and ETB2 , but there is no pharmacological evidence to support the existence of two forms in humans; an additional endothelin receptor identified as ETC was proposed but no gene in the human genome has been identified

precursor BNP is cleaved intracellularly and then also when released to the blood

released from heart ventricles in response to hypervolemia; original mammalian BNP was isolated from brain but the human brain natriuretic factor is CNP; BNP and ANP act by binding to the same receptor; actions include natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretion, also plays a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis

Pineal Hormones
derived from tryptophan; structure is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine

regulation of circadian rhythms