Adipose tissue is recognized as an endocrine organ, as it produces a number of hormones that help to regulate metabolism, appetite, and immunity. Among the most common and well-characterized adipose tissue hormones are:
- Leptin
- Adiponectin
- Resistin
The role of the pituitary in relation to the production of adipose tissue hormones is indirect. Growth hormone produced by the pituitary acts on adipose tissue as one of its targets to stimulate fat catabolism. A decrease in GH therefore is associated with obesity and overproduction of the adipose tissue hormones.
