Hypothalamic Pituitary axis

Dr. Isam Eldin Mohamed Abd Alla

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis

The pituitary gland (Hypophysis) contains:

1. anterior lobe (Adenohypophysis).
2. posterior lobe (Neurohypophysis).
3. Intermediate lobe
. The link between the hypothalamus & the
posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is
neural via hypothalamohypophysial tract.
. The link between the hypothalamus and
the anterior pituitary is vascular via
portal hypophysial vessels.

 Hypothalamic Posterior pituitary axis

two hormones Vasopressin & Oxytocin
are synthesized in the Hypothalamus &
stored in the Posterior pituitary gland:

Vasopressin & Oxytocin:

Are nonapeptide hormones synthesized in
hypothalamus cell bodies of neurons of
(supraoptic & paraventricular nuclei) &
transported via the axons to the nerve
endings in the posterior pituitary for
storage & then secreted in the blood.
Synthesized as precursor peptides
1. Prepropressophysin Vasopressin.
2. Preprooxyphysin Oxytocin.

Vasopressin (Antidiuretic hormone ADH):

Acts by binding to G-protein coupled
surface membrane receptors of (3) types:
VIA, VIB (V3) receptors intracellular
IP3, DAG & Ca+2 ions
V2 receptors : intracellular cyclic AMP.
Physiologic effects of vasopressin:
Stimulates water reabsorption from the
renal collecting duct via V2 receptors
decreases the water loss in urine (ADH).

 Causes vasoconstriction via VIA receptors,

Stimulates glycogenolysis (VIA receptors).
In large amount stimulates ACTH
secretion from anterior pituitary.
Acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
Regulation of secretion:
stimuli that secretion of vasopressin:
osmolality of ECF (plasma).
ECF volume (hypovolaemia).

 stimuli that inhibit or secretion of

vasopressin :
osmolality of ECF (plasma).
ECF volume (hypervolaemia).
Alcohol (ethanol)

 Diabetes insipidus DI:

A clinical condition defective water
reabsorption
Causes:
1. Vasopressin deficiency (Neurogenic DI).
2. kidney resistance to Vasopressin action
(nephrogenic DI) caused by mutations
resulting in defective V2 receptors or
water channnels aquapoein-2 .

characterized by
1) polyuria (excessive urination, urine
volume up to 23 liters/day)
2) polydipsia (excessive thirst & water
drinking).

Oxytocin
Acts via G- protein coupled receptor that
increase intracellular IP3, DAG, Ca+2.
physiologic effects:
Stimulates contraction of pregnant uterus
tot enhance delivery (labor), this action is
synergized (facilitated) by oestrogens &
antagonized by progesterone.
Stimulates milk ejection out of the breast
during suckling of infant.

 Stimulates contraction of vas deferns,

ejaculatory duct & seminal vesicles
facilitating ejaculation in males.
Regulation of oxytocin secretion:
The main stimulus for secretion is touch:
touch of uterine cervix by the foetal head
during delivery & touch of breast nipple by
mouth of infant (suckling).
Stress also stimulate oxytocin secretion,
while alcohol inhibits the secretion.

 Hypothalamic Anterior pituitary axis

There are six established hypothalamic
releasing and inhibiting hormones
controlling the anterior pituitary gland :

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH);

Stimulates ACTH secretion (Corticotropin)
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH);
Stimulates secretion of TSH (Thyrotropin)
Growth hormone- releasing hormone
(GRH); growth hormone-inhibiting
hormone (GIH) (somatostatin);
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH); Stimulates FSH & LH secretion
Prolactin-inhibiting hormone (PIH).