Use of Hormones as Therapeutic Agents

摘要

Hormones are chemical substances that cells release into the circulation and are then capable of eliciting physiologic responses in other cells. Hormones represent intercellular messengers that allow the multicellular organism to develop and are also important in the regulation of cellular metabolism. By taking advantage of their physiological effects, hormones offer the physician a therapeutic armamentarium for treating a variety of disease states. This article discusses the therapeutic uses of insulin, glucagon, cortisol, vas opressin, calcitonin, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Other hormones and neuropeptides, including catecholamines, thyroid hormone, prostaglandins, opioid peptides, and glucocorticoids, are discussed elsewhere in this issue of Seminars.