What substances or hormones might bronchial carcinoid tumors secrete?

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor commonly found in the lungs, and they can secrete a variety of substances or hormones. Among these, serotonin is the most notable. These tumors often arise from the bronchial epithelium and can lead to carcinoid syndrome in some cases, characterized by flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing, which are symptoms associated with excessive serotonin secretion.

The capacity of bronchial carcinoid tumors to produce serotonin is a key feature that helps in their diagnosis and understanding of associated clinical syndromes. In contrast, the other substances listed, such as insulin, prolactin, and cortisol, are not typically secreted by these tumors. Insulin is secreted by pancreatic beta cells, prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, and cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. The specificity of serotonin production in bronchial carcinoid tumors makes it a vital aspect of understanding their pathology.