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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. |
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