neurohormonok

Neurohormones are signaling molecules produced by specialized nerve cells called neurosecretory cells. These cells, found in the brain, are a hybrid of neurons and endocrine glands. Unlike neurotransmitters, which typically act locally across a synapse, neurohormones are released into the bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid. This allows them to travel over longer distances and exert their effects on a wider range of target cells and organs throughout the body.

The primary role of neurohormones is to bridge the gap between the nervous system and the endocrine system. They enable the brain to regulate essential bodily functions that are typically controlled by hormones, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and water balance. For example, the hypothalamus, a key brain region, produces several neurohormones that control the pituitary gland, which in turn releases its own hormones to influence other endocrine glands.

Examples of important neurohormones include antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, both produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. ADH regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, while oxytocin is involved in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus also play a crucial role in regulating the anterior pituitary. These complex interactions highlight the vital function of neurohormones in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating physiological processes.