title: Normal physiology of hypothalamic pituitary regulation.
abstract: The anterior pituitary is a complex heterogeneous gland that exerts a central role in the integration of several regulatory systems. Its six key hormones affect peripheral glands or target tissues and are essential for reproduction, growth and development, metabolism, adaptation to external environmental changes, and stress. Each of the pituitary hormones is regulated by the central nervous system through neuroendocrine pathways involving the hypothalamus, by feedback effects from peripheral target gland hormones, and by intrapituitary mechanisms. The hormones are secreted in a pulsatile manner, which is distinct for each hormone and reflects the influence of its individual neuroendocrine control mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (M/C 640), College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1819 West Polk Street, 625 CMW, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sam
authors.forename: Lawrence A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Frohman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000502:physiology*; D010908:Pituitary Hormones, Anterior / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D010908:Pituitary Hormones, Anterior