Abstract
Alcmaeon, a sixth-century bc physiologist philosopher, introduced the brain as the center of human thinking, organizer of the senses, and coordinator for survival. However, the need for a visible connection between the brain and the rest of the body to explain a rapid and effective way of communication that would maintain homeostasis led Aristotle to the erroneous conclusion that the heart was the central coordinating organ and blood the means of information transmission. In contemporary medicine, the two ancient concepts are integrated in the exciting field of neuroendocrinology. The traditional distinctions between neural (brain) and hormonal (blood) control have become blurred. Endocrine secretions are influenced directly or indirectly by the central nervous system (CNS), and many hormones influence brain function. The hypothalamic-pituitary unit is the mainstay of this nonstop, interactive, and highly efficient connection between the two systems. Its function is mediated by hypothalamic-releasing or hypothalamic-inhibiting hormones, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SRIF), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and the neurotransmitter dopamine.
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© 2005 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ
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Stratakis, C.A., Chrousos, G.P. (2005). Hypothalamic Hormones. In: Melmed, S., Conn, P.M. (eds) Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-829-8_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-829-8_12
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