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Median eminence nitric oxide signaling
V Prevot1, S Bouret, G B Stefano
1INSERM U 422, IFR 22, Neuroendocrinologie et physiopathologie neuronale, Place de Verdun, 59045 Lille, Cedex, France. vincentp@ohsu.edu
Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews
|November 22, 2000
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in regulating neuroendocrine axes. Research indicates endothelial cells in the median eminence, not just neurons, produce NO, influencing hormone release.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neurophysiology
- Free Radical Biology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical neurotransmitter and mediator of neuroendocrine function.
- NO influences both the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and adrenal axes.
- Highest neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression is in the hypothalamus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in identifying the origin and role of NO in the median eminence.
- To discuss the implications of endothelial NO production in neurovascular regulation.
Main Methods:
- Amperometric NO detection in rat median eminence fragments.
- Use of selective NOS inhibitors.
- Review of existing literature on NO in neuroendocrine regulation.
Main Results:
- NO is a significant factor controlling gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) release.
- A major source of NO in the median eminence may be endothelial, not neuronal.
- Endothelial cells might participate in a neurovascular regulatory process.
Conclusions:
- NO signaling in the median eminence is crucial for neurohormonal release.
- Endothelial-derived NO in the median eminence warrants further investigation for its role in hypothalamic signaling.