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Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation

Published on: August 4, 2023

Hypothalamic neurohormones and immune responses.

J Luis Quintanar¹, Irene Guzmán-Soto

¹Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes Aguascalientes, México.

Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience

|August 22, 2013

Summary

This review explores how hypothalamic neurohormones like TRH, CRH, and GnRH impact the immune system. These hormones, found on immune cells, modulate immune cell function and mediator release.

Keywords:

CRF CRH GnRH LHRH TRH extrapituitary immune system receptors

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Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Immunology
Neuroimmunology

Background:

The brain and immune system communicate bidirectionally.
Hypothalamic hormones traditionally regulate pituitary function.
Recent discoveries reveal receptors for these hormones on immune cells.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current literature on neural-immune interactions.
To highlight recent findings on neurohormone effects on the immune system.
To focus on hypothalamic hormones: Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature review.
Analysis of studies on extrapituitary actions of neurohormones.
Examination of receptor distribution in immune cells.

Main Results:

Receptors for TRH, CRH, and GnRH are found in non-pituitary tissues, including immune cells.
These neurohormones exhibit immunomodulatory effects.
Observed effects include modulation of immune cell proliferation, mediator release, and overall cell function.

Conclusions:

Hypothalamic neurohormones play significant roles within the immune system.
Evidence suggests autocrine or paracrine functions of these hormones in immune regulation.
Findings enhance understanding of the neuropeptide-immune system network.