Final answer:
The hormone that does not promote catabolic pathways is insulin, which instead plays a key role in anabolic pathways by aiding in the synthesis and storage of larger molecules such as glycogen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hormones and Metabolic Pathways
In the context of hormonal regulation of metabolism, all the following hormones promote catabolic pathways EXCEPT insulin. Catabolic pathways are those that generate energy by breaking down larger molecules, such as fats and proteins, into smaller units like glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. These include hormones like cortisol, glucagon, adrenaline, and cytokines.
On the other hand, anabolic hormones like insulin are involved in synthesizing molecules; they build larger molecules from smaller ones, which requires energy. Anabolic reactions, unlike catabolic, are part of the body's biosynthesis process and contribute to the growth and repair of tissues.
Insulin, specifically, facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells and stimulates the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage. It is critical for the regulation of blood glucose levels and is not associated with the catabolic breakdown of molecules.