Question

Among the following, identify the hormones produced by the anterior pituitary which is glycoprotein in nature
A. Somatotropin
B. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
D. Luteinizing Hormone
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A and C only
• B. B and D only
• C. B and C only
• D. C and D only

Hint:

The three pituitary glycoprotein hormones—TSH, LH, and FSH—all share an identical \(\alpha\)-subunit. Their biological specificity is determined by their unique \(\beta\)-subunits.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The anterior pituitary gland secretes peptide and protein hormones that regulate various endocrine glands and metabolic processes.
Based on their chemical structure, these hormones are classified into simple polypeptides, single-chain proteins, and dimeric glycoproteins.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us classify the listed hormones based on their chemical structures:
- Somatotropin (A): Also known as Growth Hormone (GH), this is a single-chain polypeptide containing 191 amino acids, and is not glycosylated.
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (B): A simple peptide hormone containing 39 amino acids, cleaved from the precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). It is not glycosylated.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (C): A dimeric glycoprotein consisting of an \(\alpha\)-subunit and a specific \(\beta\)-subunit.
- Luteinizing Hormone (D): Another dimeric glycoprotein hormone that shares the same \(\alpha\)-subunit with TSH and FSH, but has a unique \(\beta\)-subunit conferring its functional specificity.
Therefore, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone are glycoproteins, while Somatotropin and ACTH are simple protein/peptide hormones.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The hormones produced by the anterior pituitary that are glycoprotein in nature are Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone (C and D only).