Hormones vertebrate

Several years ago, it was discovered that the thyroid gland was also the source of a hypocalcemic hormone having effects in general opposition to those of the parathyroid hormone. This hormone is produced in mammals by the parafollicular C-ceUs and in other vertebrates by the ultimobrachial bodies (45). Originally called thyrocalcitonin, it is now referred to as calcitonin (CT). 

Among vertebrate species, the neuro-endocrine-immime system is responsible for many complex, inter-related physiological processes including neuronal, homeostatic, reproductive and immune functions. There are four main types of hormone polypeptides, eicosanoids, steroids and thyroid hormones. Reflecting the inter-dependency of the neiiro-endocrine and immune systems, hormones, neuropeptides and other neiirotransmitters are known to be produced by some immune cells and play a role in the regulation of the immune system, while endocrine and nervous tissues express receptors for many substances produced by the immune system. The major focus of interest in endocrine disruption has... 

In order to fully appreciate the potential implications of endocrine disruption, it is important to consider the normal role of hormones in controlling the development and functioning of the reproductive systems of the different vertebrate classes. 

Disruption of thyroid functions in vertebrates has been suggested to constitute a potential threat to many vital functions. For example, there is a possibility that disruption to the thyroid hormone levels during embryogenesis could result in disturbed behaviour patterns in the adult form, possibly interfering with migration in certain species and sonar functions in cetaceans. In anurans, thyroid hormones are essential for initiating metamorphosis. ... 

A major regulator of bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis, parathyroid hormone (PTH) is stimulated through a decrease in plasma ionised calcium and increases plasma calcium by activating osteoclasts. PTH also increases renal tubular calcium re-absorption as well as intestinal calcium absorption. Synthetic PTH (1-34) has been successfully used for the treatment of osteoporosis, where it leads to substantial increases in bone density and a 60-70% reduction in vertebral fractures. 

Vertebrates share many functional similarities in their endocrine systems, including their regulatory control and the nature of the hormones and their receptors (Munkittrick et al. 1998). The reproductive abnormalities observed in wildlife populations may therefore potentially be extrapolated to effects in the reproductive health of human populations, if similar exposures to EDCs occur. 

Nyby J. (1983). Volatile and non-volatile chemosignals of female rodents differences in hormonal regulation. In Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 3 (Miiller-Schwarze D. and Silverstein R.M., eds.). Plenum, New York, pp. 179-194. 

In addition to the classical stress hormones already reviewed, several other hormones are augmented in response to stress. Stress-induced prolactin release is one of the most frequently studied examples. There is no doubt about the causal relationship between stress and increased pituitary prolactin release, but the biological meaning is much less clear (G2). This phylogenetically old hormone has been shown to have more than 85 different functions in all vertebrate species. However, besides its role in the induction of maternal lactogenesis, the physiological importance of prolactin is at present not fully established. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the view that prolactin is also an immunoregulating hormone (M44, R18). Prolactin receptors are present on human T and B lymphocytes (R18), and T lymphocytes depend on prolactin for maintenance of immunocompetence (B19). In addition, it has been shown that prolactin is able to influence the devel-... 

Johnell O, Cauley JA, Kulkarni PM, Wong M, Stock JL (2004) Raloxifene reduces risk of vertebral fractures and breast cancer in postmenopausal women regardless of prior hormone therapy. J Fam Pract 53 789-796... 

Ebling, F.J. (1977) Hormonal control of mammalian skin glands. In Chemical Signals of Vertebrates, 1, 17-33... 

Ebling, F. J. (1977) Hormonal control of mammalian skin glands. In D. Muller-Schwarze, D. and M. M. Mozell (Eds.), Advances in Chemical Signals in Vertebrates. Plenum Press, New York Plenum Press, pp. 17-33. 

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