Past and present research in neuroendocrinology

6th Dec 2018

Neuroendocrinology, the study of the interaction between the nervous system and hormones, has changed a lot over the past 50 years. 

This article by Russell (2018) in the BNA’s official journal ‘Brain and Neuroscience Advances’ describes what neuroendocrinology is, what has been found in past research and interesting subjects for the future. 

A detailed description is given of the role of well-known hormones and many mechanisms involved in neuroendocrinology. For example, oxytocin (also known as the “love” hormone) is created in the hypothalamus in the cell bodies of magnocellular oxytocin neurons. Activation is regulated by a variety of neurotransmitters, such as GABA (inhibitory), noradrenaline (excitatory) and glutamate (excitatory). 

The article discusses other topics as well, such as the regulation of hormones by releasing hormones and release inhibiting factors, measuring the activity of neuroendocrine hormones and the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, an incredibly important complex feedback system that regulates processes such as digestion, mood and the immune system. 

To access the full review article, click here

Russell, J. A., 2018. Fifty Years of Advances in Neuroendocrinology. Brain and Neuroscience Advances, 2