Parvocellular neurosecretory cell

Not to be confused with Parvocellular cell.

Parvocellular neurosecretory cells are small neurons within paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. The axons of the parvocellular neurosecretory cells of the PVN project to the median eminence, at the base of the brain, where their neurosecretory nerve terminals release peptides into blood vessels in the hypothalamo-pituitary portal system. The blood vessels carry the peptides to the anterior pituitary gland, where they regulate the secretion of hormones into the systemic circulation.

Types

The parvocellular neurosecretory cells include those that make:

• Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which acts as the primary regulator of TSH and a regulator of prolactin
• Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which acts as the primary regulator of ACTH
• Neurotensin, which acts as a regulator of luteinizing hormone and prolactin

See also

• Magnocellular neurosecretory cell