Endogenous non-shivering thermogens are secreted by all except :
**Core Concept**
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and thyroid hormones are key players in regulating endogenous non-shivering thermogenesis, a process that generates heat in the absence of shivering. This process is crucial for maintaining body temperature and is particularly important in infants and neonates.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Non-shivering thermogenesis is mediated by the activation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue, which allows protons to leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane, dissipating the proton gradient and generating heat. Thyroid hormones, particularly triiodothyronine (T3), play a crucial role in regulating BAT activity and non-shivering thermogenesis. The correct answer is a hormone that is not directly involved in non-shivering thermogenesis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because growth hormone (GH) has been shown to have a permissive effect on non-shivering thermogenesis, but it is not a primary regulator of this process. GH can stimulate the growth and differentiation of brown adipocytes, but it is not as directly involved as thyroid hormones.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because epinephrine (adrenaline) can stimulate non-shivering thermogenesis by activating beta-3 adrenergic receptors on brown adipocytes, leading to the activation of UCP1 and increased heat production.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because norepinephrine (noradrenaline) can also stimulate non-shivering thermogenesis by activating beta-3 adrenergic receptors on brown adipocytes, similar to epinephrine.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Thyroid hormones play a critical role in regulating non-shivering thermogenesis, and deficiencies in thyroid hormones can lead to decreased BAT activity and impaired non-shivering thermogenesis, contributing to hypothyroidism-related hypothermia.
**Correct Answer:** D. Growth hormone.