Dictionary > Lipotropin

Lipotropin

Definition
noun, plural: lipotropins
A polypeptide hormone of the anterior pituitary gland, presumably acts by promoting fat utilization (lipolysis) and as a precursor to certain endogenous opiate peptides
Supplement
Lipotropin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, particularly by the corticotrophic cell. Corticotrophic cells are one of the different types of cells in the anterior pituitary. Apart from the lipotropin, they also produce and release melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Lipotropin is a large polypeptide (about 90 amino acid units) produced through the cleavage of proopiomelanocortin protein (i.e. POMC, which also serves as a precursor to other neuropeptides like adrenocorticotropin).
The main physiological role of lipotropin is believed to be associated with promoting fat mobilization from adipose tissues. It appears to regulate the excess amounts of fats in adipose tissues and liver. It has an affinity for lipids, improving the utilization of fats in the body, thus, preventing the accumulation of fats in tissues. The condition in which there is an excess of fats in tissue or bodily organ is referred to as lipotrophy.
Lipotropin is also associated with skin darkening. It was reported to stimulate melanocytes to produce melanin (dark pigment). It also acts as a precursor to certain endogenous opiates, such as endorphins.
Word origin: lipotrop(ic) + -in
Synonym(s):

  • lipid-mobilizing hormone
  • lipotropic hormone
  • lipotropic pituitary hormone

See also:

  • anterior pituitary
  • corticotroph
  • Related form(s):

    • lipotropic (adjective, of, relating to lipotropin; having the affinity for lipids to promote mobilization of fats thus preventing accumulation of fats in tissues and organs)


    You will also like...

    Kidneys
    Kidneys and Regulation of Water and Inorganic Ions

    The kidneys are responsible for the regulation of water and inorganic ions. Read this tutorial to learn about the differ..

    Human Nervous System
    The Human Nervous System

    The nervous system is essentially a biological information highway. This tutorial gives an overview of the nervous syste..

    Young plant growing from the soil.
    Soils

    Nutrients in the soil are essential to the proper growth of a land plant. This tutorial deals with the properties of soi..

    New Zealand Fauna
    New Zealand’s Unique Fauna

    Meet some of New Zealand's unique fauna, including endemic insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and investigate..

    Salmon jumping upstream in the river
    Lotic Communities & Animals

    A running water environment offers numerous microhabitats for many types of animals. Similar to plants, animals in lotic..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics