3 How do each of the following hormones cycle on the circadi

3. How do each of the following hormones cycle on the circadian rhythm? What is the effect on the human body?

a. Cortisol

b. hGH

c. Aldosterone

d. Prolactin

e. Testosterone

f. LH

g. FSH

h. Melatonin

Solution

a.Cortisol is an intrinsic essential steroidal hormone secreted by the adrenal gland and is known to follow a circadian rhythm like other physiological processes.

It ios released in response to stress and low blood sugar levels.

The amount of cortisol present in the body follow a diuranal variations and the levels are found to be at peak during early morning hours (around 8A.M) and are at the lowest levels at midnight or after 3-5 hours of sleep.

The main functions of cortisol are

1. To increase blood sugar level through gluconeogenesis

2.To suppress the immune system.

3.To help in the metabolism of fat , proteins, carbohydrates and also decreases bone formation.

4.During pregnancy it promotes the the maturation of fetel lungs.

5.Helps in reducing inflammation and assist with memory formulation.

6. has an effect o maintaining the salt water balance.

b.hGH also known as the somatotorpin or the human growth hormone and is a peptide hormone .It is secreted by the pituatory glands and is released on the basis of the body\'s circadian rhythm. Majority of Gh is released during sleep. Exercise and physical stress are alos known to increase GH levels

The main functions of hGH are

1. It,s main role is in stimulating cell growth , cell reproduction and cell regeneration.

2.Also plays an important rolew in regulation of body fluids and composition of muscle and bones.

3. Regulates sugar and fat metabolism.

4. Helps in breaking down of the fat cells more efficiently.

c.Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a steroidal hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands.The hormone acts upon mainly on the functional unit of kidneys. The hormone follows a diuranl pattern of rhythm and is affected by the posture, sodium and potassium intake, and stress are known to modify the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

The main functions of aldosterone are

1.It mainly regulates the salt and the water content in the body.

2.It affects the bodys ability to regulate pressure .

3. Has an important role to play in the cardio vascular health.

d.Prolactin Also known as the leutinizing hormone or the PRL . It is produced by the pituatory gland.

PRL levels show nocturnal rise and are known to increase during the immediate post partum period but the rise and fall are proportional to the intensity , frequency and duration of the nipple stimulus.

THe levels are known to be doubled after 45 minutes of breast feeding.

The main function of prolactin is to promote lactation in mothers after child birth.