title: Neuroendocrine pacemaker for growth, development and ageing.
abstract: The hypothesis is formulated that ageing is mediated through alteration in a pacemaker system located in the hypothalamus and dependent on serotonin-thyroid hormone interactions. Data in support of this hypothesis include: imbalance in central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters with ageing, with serotonin dominance; impairment of hypothalamic neurosecretion; increased heterogeneity of thyrotropin forms secreted from the aged pituitary; and drug and dietary manipulation of CNS serotonin with consequent effects on endocrine function and homeostasis.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology; D009489:Neurosecretion; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000502:physiology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D051381:Rats; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000502:physiology; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin; D013972:Thyrotropin; D009638:Norepinephrine