Releasing hormones also known as hypophysiotropic or hypothalamic hormones are synthesized by different kinds of specialized neurons in the hypothalamus. They are then transported along neuronal
axons to their
axon terminals forming the bulk of the
median eminence, where they are stored and released into the
hypophyseal portal system. They then rapidly reach the
anterior pituitary where they exert their hormonal action. The residual hormones pass into the systemic circulation where they are diluted, degraded and have comparatively little effects. The synthesis, control, and release of those hormones is co-regulated by hormonal, local and synaptic signals (neurotransmitters). The neurons secreting various hormones have been found to discharge impulses in burst, causing a pulsatile release which is more efficient than a continuous release. Hypophysiotropic hormones include: •
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone •
Corticotropin-releasing hormone •
Growth hormone-releasing hormone •
Somatostatin •
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone •
Dopamine •
Neurotensin ==Neurohypophysial hormones==