;cell messengers which areproduced by the cell itself and regulate the expression of genes .
<endocrinology> Secretion of a substance, such as a growth factor, that stimulates the secretory cell itself. One route to independence of growth control is by autocrine growth factor production. ... (02 Jan 1998) ... 
(aw´to-krin) denoting a mode of hormone action in which a hormone binds to receptors on and affects the function of the same cell that produced it.
Secretion of a substance, such as a growth factor, that stimulates the secretory cell itself. One route to independence of growth control is by autocrine growth factor production.
Type: Term Pronunciation: aw′tō-krin Definitions: 1. Denoting self-stimulation through cellular production of a factor and a specific receptor for it.
autocrine A substance secreted by a cell and acting on surface receptors of the same cell.