Endocrine gland Endocrine gland Endocrine glands are glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products, hormones, directly into the blood rather than through a duct. The major glands of the endocrine system include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are neuroendocrine organs. The pituitary gland hangs from the base of the brain by a stalk and is enclosed by bone. It consists of a hormone-producing glandular portion (anterior pituitary) and a neural portion (posterior pituitary), which is an extension of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates the
Insulin resistance the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also, insulin resistance often is associated with a hypercoagulable state (impaired fibrinolysis) and increased inflammatory cytokine levels. Another factor that may promote insulin resistance is Leptin, a hormone produced from the ob gene and adipocytes. Its physiological role is to regulate hunger by alerting the body when it is full. From an adaptation perspective, it is possible that leptin resistance was favorable for survival during periods when food was scarce. Today however studies show that lack of leptin causes severe obesity and is strongly linked with insulin resistance. Leptin replacement in mice with