Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
06:53
Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland
Published on: November 16, 2017
Anatomy of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
1MRC Group in Molecular Endocrinology, CHUL Research Center, Ste-Foy, P.Q., Canada.
Methods and Achievements in Experimental Pathology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
New research identifies hypothalamic factors regulating anterior pituitary function. These peptidergic factors are produced by specific neurons and released into the pituitary portal system, similar to other neurosecretory systems.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hypothalamic factors regulate anterior pituitary function.
- Recent discoveries and advanced techniques aid in identifying these factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify hypothalamic nuclei and neurons producing hypophysiotropic factors.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms of hypophysiotropic factor release.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical techniques for neuron identification.
- Electron microscopy for subcellular localization.
- Confirmation via lesion experiments.
Main Results:
- Hypophysiotropic factors are peptidergic, produced by parvocellular neurons in specific hypothalamic areas.
- Neurons project to the median eminence external zone.
- Factors are stored in dense core vesicles and released into the pituitary portal plexus.
Conclusions:
- Parvocellular neurosecretory systems share similarities with magnocellular systems (vasopressin, oxytocin).
- Confirms hypothalamus as the source of hypophysiotropic areas.
- Provides detailed insights into the synthesis and release of regulatory peptides.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Hypothalamic-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.
01:30Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the subthalamic...
01:23Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus is a small yet highly complex and essential brain region that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. Anatomically, it is located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and below the thalamus, forming part of the limbic system.
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
01:19Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Regulation of hormone secretion is a finely tuned orchestration driven by various types of stimuli, encompassing neural, humoral, and hormonal signals. Environmental cues instigate neural stimuli, where action potentials traverse nerve fibers to reach their designated targets. An illustrative scenario is the body's response to stress, wherein the sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine from the adrenal glands, inducing the well-known 'fight or flight' reaction.
Humoral stimuli,...
Humoral stimuli,...
01:17The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
01:27Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...