Hypothalamus Nicolette Cefai and Malia Bybee

Location In the brain below the thalamus

Hormones Gonadotropin - releasing hormone – GnRH Thyrotropin - releasing hormone – TRH Corticotropin - releasing hormone – CRH Growth Hormone - releasing hormone - GH Somatostatin Antidiuretic Hormone –ADH Oxytocin – OT Dopamine

Gonadotropin - releasing hormone – GnRH Controls (follicle stimulating hormone) FSH + (luteinizing hormone) LH release. Stumulates the ovaries and testes (gonads). Its secretion at the onset of puberty triggers sexual development, and from then on it is essential for normal sexual physiology in both males and females. In both sexes, its secretion occurs in periodic pulses usually occurring every 1–2 hours.

Thyrotropin - releasing hormone – TRH Promotes (thyroid stimulating hormone) TSH and PRL (prolactin) secretion.

Corticotropin - releasing hormone – CRH Promotes (adrenocorticotropic hormone) ACTH secretion cells act in the anterior lobe of the pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) CRH is also synthesized by the placenta and seems to determine the duration of pregnancy. It may also play a role in keeping the T cells of the mother from mounting an immune attack against the fetus.

Growth Hormone - releasing hormone - GH Promotes (growth hormone) GH secretion. stimulates cells in the anterior lobe of the pituitary to secrete growth hormone (GH).

Somatostatin inhibit the release of growth hormone (GH) inhibit the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by cells in the pancreas and in the intestine

Vasopressin/Antidiuretic Hormone - ADH Acts on the collecting ducts of the kidney to facilitate the reabsorption of water into the blood A deficiency of vasopressin or inheritance of mutant genes for its receptor – leads to excessive loss of urine, a condition known as diabetes insipidus. The most severely-afflicted patients may urinate as much as 30 liters (almost 8 gallons!) of urine each day. The disease is accompanied by terrible thirst, and patients must continually drink water to avoid dangerous dehydration.

Oxytocin - OT Surge of hormone released during sexual arousal and orgasm. It acts on certain smooth muscles – stimulating contractions of the uterus at the time of birth; – Stimulating release of milk when the baby begins to suckle. Oxytocin is often given to prospective mothers to hasten birth.

Dopamine Inhibits the release of prolactin (PRL) from the anterior lobe of the pituitary; Modulates motor-control centers Activates the reward centers of the brain. A loss of dopamine-secreting cells produces Parkinson's disease