|
|
|
|
| hormone |
|
What is it? |
| A naturally occurring substance secreted by specialized cells that affects the metabolism or behavior of other cells possessing functional receptors for the hormone. Hormones may be hydrophilic, like insulin, in which case the receptors are on the cell surface or lipophilic, (having an affinity for fat) like the steroids, where the receptor can be intracellular (inside the cell). Some cancers may be stimulated and others inhibited by hormones (for example breast and prostate cancer). Some hormones can be synthesized and used as replacement in glandular deficiencies or as treatment for some cancers. Hormones may be injected, others taken by mouth. |
BecomeHealthyNow.com Home Page
Print This Term