Neuroendocrinology is a multidisciplinary field that examines the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and secreting hormones into the bloodstream. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the most well-studied examples of neuroendocrinology. It involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH, in turn, triggers the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. The HPA axis plays a critical role in the body's response to stress. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis is another essential example of neuroendocrinology in which the hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), stimulating the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then acts on the thyroid gland, promoting the secretion of thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Some neurotransmitters also act as neurohormones when released into the bloodstream. For example, dopamine, produced in the hypothalamus, plays a role in controlling the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. The dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus form a neural pathway called the tuberoinfundibular pathway projecting their axons down to the median eminence, a region at the base of the brain where the hypothalamus meets the pituitary gland. They release dopamine into the capillary plexus of the median eminence which is connected to the anterior pituitary gland by the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system. This portal system allows the rapid transport of hormones from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary where dopamine binds to specific receptors on the surface of lactotroph cells. Here, activation of D2 receptors by dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin from lactotroph cells.Similarly, oxytocin, known for its role in social bonding and reproduction, is released as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. Once released, oxytocin binds to specific receptors on the surface of target neurons in various brain regions. The primary receptors for oxytocin are oxytocin receptors, part of the G-protein-coupled receptor family. The pineal gland is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle. The pineal gland is situated just above the brainstem, between the two thalamic bodies, and behind the third ventricle. It is attached to the posterior wall of the third ventricle by a stalk-like structure known as the pineal stalk. It produces the hormone melatonin, which is secreted in response to darkness and helps regulate the body's internal clock. Melatonin levels influence sleep patterns and seasonal changes in physiological processes. Finally, neuroendocrinology is also critical in brain development and sexual differentiation. Testosterone and estrogen play roles in shaping the developing brain during prenatal and early postnatal stages, influencing sexual dimorphism and the organization of neural circuits involved in reproductive behaviours. In addition, hormones produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), control the production of sex hormones (e.g., testosterone and estrogen) and the menstrual cycle in females and spermatogenesis in males. We provide a comprehensive product catalogue of research tools for investigating neuroendocrinology, including Chromogranin B antibodies, Somatostatin Receptor 1 antibodies, VGF antibodies, and Somatostatin Receptor 2 antibodies. Explore our full neuroendocrinology product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our General Neuroendocrinology, GH Regulation, and Oxytocin & Vasopressin product ranges.