Neuroendocrinology Glossary

Specialized cells that combine neuronal and endocrine properties, releasing hormones in response to neural stimulation.

The developmental process by which cells acquire specialized features characteristic of neuroendocrine function.

Abnormal increase in the number of neuroendocrine cells within a tissue, often preceding neoplastic transformation.

Malignancy arising from cells that release hormones into the bloodstream in response to neuronal signals.

A postsynaptic protein that regulates calcium-calmodulin signaling and serves as a cerebrospinal fluid biomarker for neu...

A specialized structure where neurosecretory axons terminate near blood vessels to release hormones directly into circul...

A hormone synthesized and released by specialized neurons that acts on distant target tissues via the bloodstream.

The posterior portion of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

A neuropeptide that suppresses feeding and increases energy expenditure, involved in metabolic regulation.

Alteration of neuronal activity and synaptic transmission by neuroactive substances, distinct from classical neurotransm...

A chemical messenger that alters neuronal activity and synaptic transmission over extended time periods, often acting at...

Glycolytic enzyme serving as a biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors and neuronal damage.

A hypothalamic peptide that promotes wakefulness and modulates anxiety-like behaviors through its specific receptor.

The process by which neurons release hormones or neuroactive substances into the bloodstream or extracellular space.

Impaired synthesis, transport, or release of neuropeptides and neurohormones from neuroendocrine cells.

The cellular process of forming, loading, and maturing secretory vesicles containing neurohormones and neuropeptides.

Membrane-bound vesicles containing hormones and neuropeptides ready for release from nerve terminals.

Specialized organelles in neuroendocrine cells that store and release hormones and neuropeptides.

A synthetic somatostatin analog used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and control hormone hypersecretion.

A hypothalamic neuropeptide that promotes wakefulness and regulates feeding behavior, deficient in narcolepsy.

Specialized neurons that detect changes in blood osmolality and trigger appropriate neuroendocrine responses to maintain...

A neoplasm arising from pancreatic islet cells that may secrete hormones or remain functionally inactive.

Local cell communication where signaling molecules act on nearby target cells rather than distant organs via circulation...

Neuroendocrine tumor arising from paraganglia, extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue that can secrete catecholamines.