Fiona's
Database

Produced primarily during excessive fat metabolism, although some levels present in virtually every organ and tissue, and the blood contains some acetone

Affects central nervous system and peripheral nervous system; constituent of ATP and ADP.

Converts ATP into cAMP within the cell.

Produced by liver;
most abundant (54%) and smallest of plasma proteins;
regulates osmotic pressure of plasma and therefore fluid retention;
carrier for metals, ions, fatty acids, amino acids, bilirubin, enzymes and drugs – prevents them being filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in urine.

Blocks action of clotting agents (factors XII, XI, IX, X and II).

Produced in upper chambers of heart;
increases excretion of sodium in urine;
increases urine output and decreases blood volume;
causes blood vessels to dilate;
inhibits aldosterone production and lowers blood pressure.

Aids in absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus; secreted by kidneys;
it is the active hormonal form of vitamin D.

The principal glucocorticoid;
increases blood glucose levels by increasing cellular utilisation of proteins and fats as energy sources thus conserving glucose;
stimulates liver cells to produce glucose from amino acids and fats;
secretion controlled by ACTH from anterior pituitary;
counteracts the inflammatory response

Found in brain, intestines, kidneys and heart;
most potent vasoconstrictor known;
regulates salt transport in intestine.

Synthesised from cholesterol in ovaries;
predominant oestrogen hormone in nonpregnant women;
promotes development and maintenance of female reproductive structures;
increases protein anabolism;
lowers blood cholesterol;
moderate levels inhibit release of the hormones GnRH, FSHand LH.

One of the oestrogen hormones;
promotes development and maintenance of female reproductive structures;
increases protein anabolism;
lowers blood cholesterol;
moderate levels inhibit release of the hormones GnRH, FSH and LH

One of the oestrogen hormones;
promotes development and maintenance of female reproductive structures;
increases protein anabolism; lowers blood cholesterol;
moderate levels inhibit release of the hormones GnRH, FSH and LH.

Most widely distributed inhibitory neurotransmitter;
blocks noradrenaline and dopamine.

Approximately 38% of blood plasma proteins;
carrier for antibodies and so has a role in infection and allergies

Raises blood sugar levels by accelerating breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, converting other nutrients into glucose in the liver, and releasing glucose into the blood – opposes the action of insulin;
may stimulate the secretion of water and electrolytes by the mucosa of small intestine.

Can be manufactured by the body;
precursor of proline, ornithine, arginine and polyamines;
a stimulatory neurotransmitter;
can be converted in body into GABA;
nearly all excitatory neurons in the CNS and possibly half of the synapses in the brain communicate via glutamate;
visual adaptation to light and dark.
Associated with learning and memory

Can be synthesised from other amino acids (serine and threonine);
acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter;
assists in manufacture of DNA, glycerol, phospholipids, collagen, glutathione and cholesterol conjugates;
essential for one of key liver detoxification pathways;
stimulates secretion of glucagons;
in spinal cord (inhibitory action) and in retina

Secreted by hypothalamus; stimulates release of LH and FSH.

Released by fat cells as they synthesise triglycerides; reduces appetite;
believed to inhibit neuropeptide Y;
role in central control of bone mass and so possibly osteoporosis;
onset of puberty;
believed to have an immune system role through support of helper T cells.

Present in many parts of the brain and autonomic nervous system;
enhances effect of norepinephrine; stimulates appetite;
causes increased storage of ingested food as fat;
regulation of circadian rhythms, sexual functioning, anxiety and stress response, peripheral vascular resistance and contractility of heart;
reduces energy expenditure:
high circulating levels with severe exercise.

Release stimulated by fatty acids; inhibits gastro-intestinal motility and increases ileal blood flow;
regulation of LH and prolactin;
blocks stimulation of acid and pepsin by the vagus nerve.

Inhibits signalling of leptin and insulin;
may explain resistance to leptin and insulin.

Converted into T;
growth and normal development;
increase rate at which cells release energy from carbohydrates;
enhance protein synthesis;
stimulate nervous system

Reverse T and T are secreted in an inverse relationship allowing the thyroid to adjust the amount of thyroid activity;
blocks the action of T by binding with the receptor sites