Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
Current Review of the Function and Regulation of Tuberoinfundibular Dopamine Neurons
Xiaojun Qi-Lytle1, Sarah Sayers2, Edward J Wagner2
1Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton, PA 18509, USA.
Abstract:
Tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons have cell bodies located in the arcuate nucleus of the mediobasal hypothalamus. They project to the external zone of the median eminence, and the dopamine (DA) released there is carried by the hypophysial portal vasculature to the anterior pituitary. The DA then activates D2 receptors to inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion from lactotrophs. The TIDA neuronal population is the principal regulatory factor controlling PRL secretion. The neuroendocrine role subserved by TIDA neurons sets them apart from other dopaminergic populations like the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic DA neurons. TIDA neurons exhibit intrinsic oscillatory fluctuations in their membrane potential that give rise to phasic firing and bursting activity. TIDA neuronal activity is sexually differentiated and modulated by gonadal hormones and PRL, as well as an array of small molecule and peptide neurotransmitters. This review covers these characteristics.
Related Concept Videos
Neural Regulation
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Regulation of Food Intake
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral...
Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
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...

