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Developing brain as an endocrine organ: a paradoxical reality
1Laboratory of Hormonal Regulations, Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, 26, Vavilov str., Moscow, 119334, Russia. michael.ugrumov@mail.ru
Neurochemical Research
|February 6, 2010
Summary
The developing brain acts as a multipotent endocrine gland before the blood-brain barrier forms, secreting signaling molecules that regulate peripheral organs. This early brain function is crucial for organism development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Homeostasis relies on the neuroendocrine-immune system, with the hypothalamus regulating peripheral organs and the adenohypophysis.
- Conventional views suggest peripheral glands mature first, controlling brain development via signaling molecules.
- The brain, specifically the hypothalamus, is thought to mature later, initiating neuroendocrine regulation after peripheral control is established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that the developing brain functions as a multipotent endocrine gland before the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is established.
- To investigate the brain's role in secreting signaling molecules (SM) into general circulation for peripheral endocrine regulation during ontogenesis.
- To use specific neurochemicals as markers for this proposed early endocrine function of the brain.
Main Methods:
- Measured concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in rat circulation during the perinatal period.
- Compared these concentrations to adult levels and assessed changes after BBB development.
- Verified the brain's contribution by eliminating synthesizing neurons or inhibiting synthesis before BBB establishment.
Main Results:
- Perinatal circulation showed high levels of GnRH, DA, and 5-HT, comparable to adult portal circulation.
- Circulating GnRH and DA levels significantly decreased after BBB development, indicating a brain origin.
- Eliminating synthesizing neurons or inhibiting synthesis in the perinatal brain reduced circulating levels of these SMs.
Conclusions:
- The developing brain functions as a multipotent endocrine gland from neurogenesis until BBB establishment.
- Brain-derived SMs like GnRH, DA, and 5-HT regulate peripheral targets and the brain itself (autoregulation).
- This early endocrine role, though transient, has significant long-lasting morphogenetic effects on development.
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