Pituitary glycoprotein hormone receptors in non-endocrine organs

Harry C. Blair, Alan Wells, Carlos M. Isales

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although glycoprotein hormones are usually regarded as pituitary-endocrine signals, their receptors can be found in non-endocrine tissues. High expression of selected receptors in the pituitary-endocrine axis is key to mammalian endocrine regulation. We hypothesize that peripheral receptor distribution during development and in secondary organs reflects older but still-applicable functions, with their concentration in the pituitary a more recent evolutionary advancement. We extrapolate additional functions of these receptors by analogy of homologous receptors in older phyla, with emphasis on the bony fishes (teleosts). Studies of the multiple roles of the glycoprotein hormone receptors are likely to uncover novel endocrine functions and axes, and highlight the potential of these receptors as novel therapeutic targets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)227-233
Number of pages7
JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pituitary glycoprotein hormone receptors in non-endocrine organs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this