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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.
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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.
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The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
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Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
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Structure and function of neurohypophysial hormones.

Yasumasa Iwasaki1, Yoko Yamaguchi2, Mitsuru Nishiyama3

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan; Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 510-0293, Japan.

Peptides
|October 12, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OXT) are ancient neuropeptides with diverse roles beyond osmoregulation and reproduction. This review explores their evolution, receptors, and future research directions in endocrinology.

Keywords:
EvolutionNeurophysinOxytocinVasopressinVasotocin

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OXT) are hypothalamic neuropeptides with established roles in osmoregulation and reproduction.
  • These peptides act centrally and peripherally via G protein-coupled receptors, exhibiting versatile functions.
  • Orthologous VP/OXT peptides and receptors exist across diverse animal phyla, indicating an ancient evolutionary origin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide fundamental information on the vasopressin/oxytocin (VP/OXT) hormone family.
  • To review the historical context and basic characteristics of VP/OXT peptides and their receptors.
  • To explore the evolutionary trajectory of the VP/OXT system from invertebrates to mammals.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review integrating general and comparative endocrinology.
  • Summary of historical VP/OXT research and peptide/receptor features.
  • Analysis of VP/OXT systems in nonmammalian species, including invertebrates.

Main Results:

  • VP and OXT peptides and their receptors have a long evolutionary history.
  • The VP/OXT system exhibits conserved and divergent features across species.
  • The review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies knowledge gaps in VP/OXT research.

Conclusions:

  • The VP/OXT system is ancient and functionally diverse.
  • Comparative studies are crucial for understanding the evolution and full range of VP/OXT functions.
  • Future research should focus on evolutionary aspects and novel roles of this peptide family.