Neuroendocrinology

Neuroendocrinology is the branch of biology that studies the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, that is how the brain regulates the hormonal activity in the body. The nervous and endocrine systems often act together in a process called neuroendocrine integration, to regulate the physiological processes of the human body.

Overview

Neuroendocrinology arose from the recognition that the brain, especially the hypothalamus, controls secretion of pituitary gland hormones, and has subsequently expanded to investigate numerous interconnections of the endocrine and nervous systems.

The neuroendocrine system is the mechanism by which the hypothalamus maintains homeostasis, regulating reproduction, metabolism, eating and drinking behaviour, energy utilization, osmolarity and blood pressure.

History

The concept of neuroendocrinology was first visualized by the British scientist Geoffrey Harris in 1955. Harris proposed that the hypothalamus controls the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. His experiments on rats demonstrated a direct neural control of the anterior pituitary, leading to the concept of neuroendocrinology.

Neuroendocrine cells

Neuroendocrine cells are cells that receive neuronal input (neurotransmitters released by nerve cells or neurosecretory cells) and, as a consequence of this input, release message molecules (hormones) to the blood. In this way they bring about an integration between the nervous system and the endocrine system, a process known as neuroendocrine integration.

Neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that originate from neuroendocrine cells throughout the body. They are characterized by their ability to secrete various peptides and neuroamines.

See also

• Neuroendocrinology journal
• Neuroendocrine immune system
• Neuroendocrinology of stress
• Neuroendocrine regulation of immunity