pulsatile secretion
Quick Summary
Pulsatile secretion refers to the release of hormones in bursts rather than continuously. This is a crucial physiological process for the proper functioning of the human endocrine system. For instance, hormones like insulin are secreted in short pulses every few minutes, allowing the secreting cells to respond to changes in blood glucose.
Other hormones, such as those from the pituitary gland, are released in pulses every one to two hours. This pulsatile release is essential for the action of pituitary gonadotropins, which are stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) released from the hypothalamus in a similar pulsatile manner. Continuous, non-pulsatile administration of GnRH can actually inhibit gonadotropin secretion.12
Beyond these shorter pulses, many hormones also exhibit longer periodic changes known as circadian rhythms, with varying secretion rates throughout the day and night.1
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