Neuroendocrine Parvocellular Neurons
Alan G Watts, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
Published online: September 2010
DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0000047.pub2
Abstract
Two sets of neuroendocrine neurons in the hypothalamus form a critical interface between the nervous and the endocrine systems.
Neuroendocrine magnocellular neurons that release oxytocin and vasopressin from the neural lobe of the pituitary gland into
the general vasculature constitute one of these sets; neuroendocrine parvocellular neurons comprise the other. These neurons
release chemical signals into the hypophysial portal vasculature that then control the release of hormones from the anterior
pituitary gland. These neurons form part of the neural network that generates pulsatile hormone release. However, more complex
patterns of neuroendocrine release are enabled by more widely sourced neural afferents. In some cases, they are direct targets
of feedback control by the hormones whose release neuroendocrine parvocellular neurons ultimately control.
Key Concepts:
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Neuroendocrine parvicellular neurons release chemical signals (releasing factors) directly into the hypophysial portal vasculature.
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Most of the body's hormones are released in pulsatile manner.
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Feedback control of neuroendocrine activity is a key regulatory feature for neuroendocrine parvicellular neurons.
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The brain contains complex neural networks that can influence the activity patterns of neuroendocrine parvicellular neurons.
Keywords: peptides; steroid hormones; afferent control; neural networks; feedback; hypothalamus
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