1. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. doi:10.1038/nrendo.2016.193
Figure 2 Output of hypothalamic regulatory factors to the median eminence
Figure 2 | Output of hypothalamic regulatory factors to the median eminence. a | A simplified view of tanycyte regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release is shown. Access of GnRH nerve terminals to capillaries at dioestrus is blocked by tanycyte ensheathment, which retracts at pro-oestrus, possibly in response to oestrogen-driven secretion of nitric oxide (NO), and leads to the formation of a direct neurohaemal junction and augmented release of GnRH. b | Feedback inhibition of prolactin (PRL) secretion is reduced in lactation by an uncoupling of dopamine (DA) production and release from neuronal electrical activity and by a possible switch to production and secretion of opioids. c | Growth hormone-releasing hormone secretion is reduced in late adulthood, with an altered localisation of nerve terminals and redistribution of secretory vesicles to autophagic vacuoles, both resulting in reduced neuropeptide release to the portal circulation. ME, median evidence.
Tissier, P. L. et al. (2016) An updated view of hypothalamic– vascular–pituitary unit function and plasticity
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