Neuroendocrine 5245868 204232266 2008-04-08T15:34:52Z Kaobear 1739346 clean up using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{Mergeto|Neuroendocrine cell|date=December 2007}} '''Neuroendocrine''' [IPA nʊəroʊˈɛndəkrɪn] cells are cells that release a hormone into the circulating blood in response to a neural stimulus. These hormones may be [[amines]], [[neuropeptides]], or specialized [[amino acids]]. They package the hormones in [[vesicle (biology)|vesicles]] and send these packages via long processes ([[axon]]s) to blood vessels. When stimulated (by [[hormones]] from the blood stream or neurons) the neuroendocrine cells secrete the hormones into the blood stream. The hormones then travel to their target cells and may stimulate, inhibit or maintain function of these cells. The [[target cells]] may feed back information to these neurons that regulates further secretion. ==Example== Specialized groups of neuroendocrine cells can be found at the base of the [[third ventricle]] in the brain (in a region called the [[hypothalamus]]). This area controls most [[anterior pituitary]] cells and thereby regulates functions in the entire body, like responses to stress, cold, sleep, and the reproductive system. The neurons send processes to a region connecting to the pituitary stalk and the hormones (called releasing or [[inhibiting hormones]]) are released into the blood stream. They are carried by portal vessels to the pituitary cells where they may stimulate, inhibit, or maintain the function of a particular cell type. Many of the projects in the neuroendocrine group focus on the regulatory circuitry in this pathway. ==See also== * [[Neuroendocrinology]] * [[Neuroendocrine tumors]] ==External links== * {{eMedicineDictionary|Neuroendocrine}} * {{MeshName|Neuroendocrine+System}} {{Cell signaling}} [[Category:Neuroendocrinology]] {{med-stub}}