What hormones does the pituitary gland produce dog?
Many important hormones are produced here, including thyroid stimulatory hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin). Because it affects so much of the endocrine system, the pituitary gland is sometimes called the master gland.
It stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol (the “stress hormone”), which has many functions, including regulating metabolism, maintaining blood pressure, regulating blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and reducing inflammation, among others.
The pituitary gland, also referred to as the hypophysis, is a small, oval gland that is attached to the underside or base of the dog's brain. It is an important link between the nervous system and endocrine system and releases many hormones that affect multiple body functions.
There are four hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that control the functions of other endocrine glands. These hormones include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormones (LH).
The main endocrine glands in the animal body include pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal (Figure 1), and gonads (ovaries and testes).
The pituitary gland is located near the center and bottom of the brain. It produces a number of critical hormones that control many parts of the body, including several other endocrine glands.
Through secretion of its hormones, the pituitary gland controls metabolism, growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes.
The anterior pituitary is made of cell clusters that produce six hormones and release them into your bloodstream. Different types of cell clusters create and release different hormones, including: Corticotrophs produce adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Thyrotrophs produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Pituitary: The Master Gland
The pituitary, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, produces a number of hormones. Each of these hormones affects a specific part of the body (a target organ or tissue). Because the pituitary controls the function of most other endocrine glands, it is often called the master gland.
Part of the pituitary gland hat produces and secretes seven hormones: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), lutenizing hormone (LH_ prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
What are the 6 pituitary hormones?
- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Luteinising hormone (LH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Prolactin (PRL)
- Growth hormone (GH)
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
The anterior pituitary gland secretes 7 hormones: follicle -stimulating hormone, luteinizing horomone, adrenocorticotropic horomone, thyroid -stimulating horomone, prolactin, endorphins, and growth hormone.

The pituitary gland is an endocrine structure which releases hormones that control growth, metabolism and sexual function. It mainly regulates other glands (rather than having a direct physiological effect) and is therefore referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system.
Measurements | Dogs | |
---|---|---|
Range | Mean | |
Pituitary length (mm) | 4.50 - 9.80 | 7.00 |
Pituitary width (mm) | 2.90 – 6.50 | 4.80 |
Pituitary height (mm) | 2.60 – 5.10 | 3.80 |
Adrenaline. Typically the first hormone to be released when the dog experiences stress, trauma or physical pain. Adrenaline increases the heart rate, blood pressure, free fatty acids (which are important sources of fuel) and amount of sugar in blood causing dilation of the bronchial tubes and pupils.
As in humans, unneutered male dogs and cats have twin reproductive glands, called testes, which produce the hormone testosterone. Testosterone helps the young male develop and then maintain his sexual traits. The female reproductive glands, the ovaries, produce estrogen and progesterone.
Male dogs produce Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus at adolescence. This acts on the anterior pituitary gland which makes follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) and luteinising hormone (LH). LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes which make testosterone.
The pituitary gland is a tiny organ, smaller than a pea, located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for producing specialized chemicals (or hormones) that influence many other organ systems in the body.
Reproduction and pregnancy in dogs are regulated by many hormones, among which prolactin. Prolactin (PRL) is a single-chain peptide hormone, composed of almost 200 amino acids, produced by the lactotrotropic cells of the anterior pituitary [2].
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) of your brain can detect a pituitary tumor or other pituitary gland problems.
What stimulates the pituitary gland?
The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary to release or inhibit pituitary hormone production.
The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master" gland of the endocrine system because it controls the functions of many of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is no larger than a pea, and is located at the base of the brain.
It has been documented that clinical depression and anxiety are common with pituitary disorders. Some patients report memory and mental confusion, anger and/or rage and even changes in a patient's overall sense and awareness of themselves.
- Estrogen. Estrogen is one of the key female sex hormones, but men have estrogen too. ...
- Progesterone. ...
- Testosterone. ...
- Insulin. ...
- Cortisol. ...
- Growth Hormone. ...
- Adrenaline. ...
- Thyroid Hormones.
The pituitary gland is a tiny organ, smaller than a pea, located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for producing specialized chemicals (or hormones) that influence many other organ systems in the body.