neurohormonelle

Neurohormonal refers to signaling mechanisms in which neurons produce hormones that are released into the bloodstream to act on distant targets, thereby linking the nervous and endocrine systems. In this system, specialized neuroendocrine cells generate peptide or amine hormones that travel through the circulation to regulate distant organs and tissues.

A central component is the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. Hypothalamic neurons synthesize releasing and inhibiting hormones, which reach the anterior pituitary via a portal blood system to control the secretion of pituitary hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and the gonadotropins. The hypothalamus also sends hormones to the posterior pituitary, where vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin are released into the bloodstream. These posterior pituitary hormones are produced in hypothalamic neurons and stored in nerve terminals until release.

Neurohormones include hypothalamic releasing hormones (e.g., corticotropin-releasing hormone, TRH, GnRH, GHRH, somatostatin) and neuropeptides that regulate growth, metabolism, stress responses, reproduction, water balance, and lactation. The actions of these signals are often governed by feedback loops and circadian or pulsatile secretion patterns.

Clinically, neurohormonal dysregulation underlies conditions such as Cushing’s or Addison’s disease (HPA axis disruption), diabetes insipidus (vasopressin deficiency), SIADH (vasopressin excess), and reproductive disorders due to GnRH or pituitary hormone abnormalities. Therapeutic approaches may include agonists or antagonists targeting neurohormonal pathways.