1. Substances produced and released by cells in the body that have localized physiological effects on nearby tissues; includes hormones like histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandins.
Usage: medical/pharmacology term; plural form; singular is autacoid; also called local hormones

Examples

• Autacoids such as histamine are released by mast cells during allergic reactions.
• Prostaglandins are autacoids that regulate inflammation and pain in tissues.
• The body produces various autacoids that act on nearby cells rather than traveling through the bloodstream.
• Serotonin functions as an autacoid in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Understanding autacoids is essential for studying local tissue responses to injury.