Other Endocrine Tissues and Organs, Eicosanoids, and Growth Factors

Eicosanoids are locally-acting hormones derived from the 20-carbon fatty acid arachadonic acid.
Certain hormones stimulate cell growth and division. Several newly discovered hormones called growth factors are involved in tissue development, growth and repair.


TA E1 12
Summary of Selected Growth Factors
6 ROWTH FACTOR
Epidermal growth
factor (EGF)
Platelet—derived
growth factor (PDGF)
Fibroblast growth
factor (FGF)
Nerve growth
factor (N6 F)
Tumor angiogenesis
factors (TAFs)
'[ransforming growth
factors (T GFs)
COMMENT
Produced in submaxillnry (salivary) glands:
stimulates proliferation of epithelial cells,
fibroblasts, neurons, and astmcyles; suppresses
some cancer cells and secretion of gastric juice
by stomach.
Produced in blood platelets; stimulates
proliferation of neuroglia, smooth muscle
fibers, and fibroblasts; appears to have
role in wound healing: may contribute to
atherosclerosis development.
Found in pituitary gland and brain; stimulates
proliferation of many cells derived
from embryonic mesoderrn (fibroblasts.
adrenocortical cells. smooth muscle fibers.
chondrocytes, and endorhelial cells); stimulates
formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
Produced in submandibular (salivary) glands
and hippocarnpus of brain: stimulates growth
of ganglia in embryo; maintains sympathetic
nervous system; siimulales hypertrophy and
differentiation of neurons.
Produced by normal and tumor cells; stimulate
growth of new capillaries. organ regeneration.
and wound healing,
Produced by various cells as separate
molecules: TGF-alpha has activities similar
to epidermal growth factor: 'l‘GF-beta inhibits
proliferation of many cell types.