Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Paracrine signaling is a type of cell communication where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells, altering the behavior or differentiation of those cells.
This is when a cell secretes hormones or chemical messengers that bind to autocrine receptors on that same cell, leading to changes in the cell. It's like talking to yourself!
In this type of signaling, glands secrete hormones directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues throughout the body. Imagine this as sending out mass emails - everyone gets the message.
This involves communication between touching cells. The signals pass through protein channels connecting cytoplasms of both cells. It's like whispering secrets hand-to-hand using tin can telephones!