n. a hormone-like substance from the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the transfer of fat from the body stores to the bloodstream.
(endomorphin) n. one of a group of chemical compounds, similar to the *encephalins, that occur naturally in the brain and have pain-relieving properties similar to those of the opiates. They are also responsible for sensations of pleasure. The endorphins are derived from a substance found in the pituitary gland known as beta-lipotrophin; they are thought to be concerned with controlling the activity of the endocrine glands.... endorphin
(hypophysis) the master endocrine gland: a pea-sized body attached beneath the *hypothalamus in a bony cavity at the base of the skull. It has an anterior lobe (adenohypophysis), which secretes *thyroid-stimulating hormone, *ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone), the *gonadotrophins, *growth hormone, *prolactin, *lipotrophin, and *melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The secretion of all these hormones is regulated by specific releasing hormones, which are produced in the hypothalamus (see also corticotrophin-releasing hormone; gonadotrophin-releasing hormone; thyrotrophin-releasing hormone). The posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) secretes *vasopressin and *oxytocin, which are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the pituitary, where they are stored before release.... pituitary gland
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