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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
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Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
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Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
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Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

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Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

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The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
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Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...

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Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation
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Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: current view on neuroendocrine aberrations.

Blazej Meczekalski1, Agnieszka Podfigurna-Stopa, Alina Warenik-Szymankiewicz

  • 1Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. blazejmeczekalski@yahoo.com

Gynecological Endocrinology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
|January 29, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) involves impaired gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, affecting luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses. Research explores neuropeptides in FHA pathophysiology and potential treatments.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a reversible disorder characterized by impaired pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
  • FHA encompasses stress-related, weight loss-related, and exercise-related subtypes.
  • Disturbances in GnRH-luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion patterns are central to FHA pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the complex and often unclear mechanisms underlying FHA.
  • To investigate the role of various neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurosteroids in FHA.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets within these neuroactive substances for FHA treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on the neurobiological regulation of GnRH pulsatile secretion.
  • Analysis of studies examining changes in specific neuropeptides (e.g., allopregnanolone, NPY, CRH, leptin, ghrelin, beta-endorphin) in FHA patients.
  • Exploration of speculative therapeutic strategies involving these neuroactive substances or their antagonists.

Main Results:

  • Significant alterations in neuropeptide levels (allopregnanolone, NPY, CRH, leptin, ghrelin, beta-endorphin) have been observed in individuals with FHA.
  • The spectrum of GnRH-LH secretion disturbances in FHA is broad, ranging from absent to altered pulse frequencies.
  • Evidence suggests these neuroactive substances are involved in the pathophysiology of FHA.

Conclusions:

  • Neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurosteroids play critical roles in the regulation of GnRH pulsatile secretion and are implicated in FHA.
  • Further research into these substances may reveal novel therapeutic approaches for managing FHA.
  • Understanding the neuroendocrine basis of FHA is crucial for developing effective treatments.