hypothalamushormonen

The hypothalamus is a small brain region that serves as the primary interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system. It coordinates many autonomic and metabolic processes by releasing neurohormones that control the pituitary gland and, through it, other endocrine organs.

The hypothalamus synthesizes releasing and inhibiting hormones that travel via the hypophyseal portal system to the anterior pituitary. Major hormones include thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Somatostatin and dopamine act as inhibiting hormones, suppressing growth hormone (GH) and/or prolactin release. TRH stimulates TSH and modest prolactin; CRH stimulates ACTH; GnRH stimulates LH and FSH; GHRH stimulates GH; somatostatin inhibits GH and TSH; dopamine inhibits prolactin.

In addition, oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) are produced by neurosecretory neurons in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary, where they are released into the bloodstream.

Physiological roles include regulation of growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and water balance, as well as uterine contraction and milk ejection in mammals. Hypothalamic hormones operate within feedback loops with the pituitary and target glands to maintain homeostasis.

Disorders in hypothalamic hormone signaling can contribute to pituitary insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, and hormonal imbalances affecting thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive function.