Somatotropocyte

Somatotropocyte: features and functions of the cell

The somatotropocyte is a cell of the anterior pituitary gland that synthesizes and secretes growth hormone. The name cell comes from the Latin word "somatotropus", meaning "affecting the body", and the Greek word "tropos", meaning "direction". Thus, somatotropocytes play an important role in regulating the growth and development of the body.

Somatotropocytes are large polyhedral cells that contain growth hormone granules. They are located in the adenohypophysis, where they secrete growth hormone in response to stimulation by the hormone-releasing factor of the hypothalamus. Somatotropocytes can also synthesize and secrete other hormones such as prolactin.

Growth hormone, secreted by somatotropocytes, plays an important role in the development and growth of the body. It stimulates bone and muscle growth, increases protein synthesis and reduces the use of carbohydrates as an energy source. Growth hormone also improves metabolic processes and improves immunity.

A lack of growth hormone can lead to slow growth and development of the body, and an excess of growth hormone can cause gigantism or acromegaly. It is important to note that somatotropocytes are under the control not only of hormone-releasing factors, but also of inhibitors such as somatostatin, which can reduce the secretion of growth hormone.

In conclusion, somatotropocytes are cells that play an important role in regulating the growth and development of the body. They synthesize and secrete growth hormone, which stimulates bone and muscle growth, improves metabolic processes and improves immunity. Understanding the role of somatotropocytes in the body can help in the development of new treatments for diseases associated with deficiency or excess of growth hormone.

The somatotropic pituitary gland consists of two pairs of lobes. The lobes of the pituitary gland are intersected by the hypothalamus, a cerebral appendage of the diencephalon. The valley-like collection of cells in the medial pituitary gland is called the “medial lobe” or “adrenal body.” The formation of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) is enhanced by releasing hormones (liberins and statins), produced in the neurons of the visual, supraoptic, paraventricular part of the posterior hypothalamus.

Releasing hormone is a potential mediator of hypothalamic neurons; it is synthesized in almost all parts of the posterior hypothalamus, but its level can also be increased in some forms of pathology (trauma, tumors, ischemia, etc.).

The intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is formed by chemosensitive cells located in the sinuses of the ethmoid bone of the hypothalamus; these same cells in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland are involved in the synthesis and release of growth hormone. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is formed by several types of cells, some of which secrete thyrotropin. This part of the pituitary-hypothalamic mechanism, regulation of the secretion of various hormones, is not responsible for the regulation of growth; This is one of the most important paradoxes of the operation of regulatory systems.