A peptide hormone is a hormone that is made of a peptide, used by the body as a chemical messenger. Insulin, glucagon, and oxytocin are well-known examples of peptide hormones.
What makes a hormone a peptide hormone
Hormones come in different chemical types. A peptide hormone is simply one whose structure is a peptide, a chain of amino acids. This sets it apart from, for example, steroid hormones, which are built on a very different molecular framework.
How peptide hormones work
Like other bioactive peptides, peptide hormones bind receptors on cells to deliver their message. Insulin, for instance, signals cells to take up glucose.
Why it matters here
Many research peptides are based on, or related to, natural peptide hormones. Understanding the category helps explain why so many peptides act as precise signals rather than structural building blocks.
Key takeaways
- A peptide hormone is a hormone made of a peptide.
- It acts as a chemical messenger in the body.
- Insulin, glucagon, and oxytocin are examples.
- It differs from steroid hormones, a distinct chemical class.
A note on research use
The peptides supplied by Axis Peptide Labs are reference compounds for laboratory and research use only. They are intended for qualified researchers working in academic, institutional, and analytical settings. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical products, and they are not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Documented identity and documented purity are what matter most when sourcing a compound, both of which are published on the Axis certificates of analysis page.
