Adipokinetic hormone

Pronunciation: /ad-uh-poh-kuh-NET-ik HOR-mohn/

Category: Physiology

Singular: Adipokinetic hormone

Plural: Adipokinetic hormones

Definition

A family of structurally related, but distinct, peptides that regulate energy metabolism in insects and crustaceans.

Etymology

From Greek 'adipose', meaning 'fat', and 'kinein', meaning 'to move'.

Example

AKH stimulates the release of stored energy reserves in insects, preparing them for flight.

Related Terms

Energy metabolism
Flight
Hemolymph

Usage Notes

The AKH family encompasses about forty structurally related peptides with adipokinetic and hypertrehalosemic effects. They are classified based on their amino acid sequence and function.