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Paracrine Signaling

Meaning

Paracrine signaling is a specific form of cell-to-cell communication where a cell produces a signaling molecule, such as a growth factor or cytokine, that acts locally on nearby target cells without entering the systemic circulation. This mechanism is fundamentally important for coordinating the functions of adjacent cells within a tissue or organ, playing critical roles in tissue development, wound healing, immune response, and localized hormonal regulation. In endocrinology, paracrine interactions within glands, such as the ovary or pancreas, are essential for fine-tuning hormone synthesis and cellular proliferation, demonstrating a localized level of control beyond the systemic endocrine axis.