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Eicosanoid
A hormone derived from a 20-carbon atom, polyunsaturated fat. Eicosanoids are made by every cell in the body. As autocrine hormones, they are constantly produced by the cell to sample the external environment. "Good" eicosanoids generate AMP.
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Endocrine Hormones
Hormones that are secreted from a discrete gland and then travel through the bloodstream to target tissues.
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Endocrinology
The study of hormones. A more inclusive definition would be the study of biological communications.
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Endocytosis
The process by which extracellular molecules (including hormones) enter a cell.
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Endothelial Cells
The cells that line the vascular system. They act as a barrier between the bloodstream and target cells that hormones must pass through in order to reach their receptors and exert their biological action.
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Essential Fatty Acids
These are the fats the body cannot make and therefore must be part of the diet. Essential fatty acids are also the building blocks of eicosanoids. There are two groups, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, each gives rise to a different group of eicosanoids.
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Estrogens
A group of three steroid hormones that convey female characteristics and control fertilization. The production of estrogen is stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
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Exocytosis
The process by which intracellular chemicals (including hormones) are released.
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