Neuro-Endocrine Connection

• Hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland connection

  Blood portal
• Posterior pituitary hormones


  Made in the hypothalamic neuron
• Main posterior pituitary gland hormones

  • Oxytocin
  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
• Function of oxytocin


  Stimulates milk release during breastfeeding and produces uterine contractions during childbirth
• Function of antidiuretic hormone


  Stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water when dehydrated
• Anterior pituitary hormones


  Made in the anterior pituitary gland
• Main anterior pituitary gland hormones


  • Growth hormone (GH)
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• Function of growth hormone


  Stimulates the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose for fuel mobilization
• Function of thyroid stimulating hormone


  Stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones which increase the basal metabolic rate
• Function of adrenocorticotropic hormone


  Stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol
• Basal metabolic rate


  The energy which the body requires for its most basic functions to sustain life
• Growth hormone concentration(24 hours)


  Highest during the night
• Growth hormone concentration(life)


  Highest during puberty
• Indirect effects of growth hormone


  Growth via insulin factors like IGF-1
• Direct effects of growth hormone


  Fuel mobilization by inhibiting cellular uptake of glucose, stimulating protein synthesis and glucose synthesis and increasing fat breakdown
• Thyroid hormones


  Premade and stored until needed
• Stimulus for hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis

  • Exercise
  • Cold
  • Stress
• Hormone secreted by hypothalamus in hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis


  Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
• Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland in hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis


  Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Hormone secreted by thyroid in hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis


  Thyroid hormone (T3 + T4)
• Effects of thyroid hormone


  Increases basal metabolic rate, stimulate growth and increase mental alertness
• How thyroid hormones travel

  Bound to carrier proteins as they are lipid soluble
• Thyroid hormones


  Lipid soluble
• Stimulus for hypothalamic-pituitary-liver axis

  • Exercise
  • Sleep
• Hormone secreted by hypothalamus in hypothalamic-pituitary-liver axis


  Either growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) or growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH)
• Hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland in hypothalamic-pituitary-liver axis


  Growth hormone
• Effects of growth hormone on the liver


  Contributes to fuel mobilization and stimulates secretion of IGF-1 indirectly leading to growth