Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry a signal between nerve cells and impart an effect when they bind to specific receptors on the receiving cell or neuron.
As previously shown, the hypothalamic hormone Prolactin inhibiting factor (PIF) was later discovered to be the neurotransmitter Dopamine. Other neurotransmitters that affect the secretion of anterior lobe pituitary hormones are summarized in the table.
Table 2: Neurotransmitter Effect on Pituitary Hormonal Secretion| Pituitary Hormones | Stimulated by | Inhibited by |
FSH
LH | Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine | Serotonin
Dopamine
Endorphins |
| PRL | Endorphins
Norepinephrine | Dopamine |
| GH | Dopamine
Serotonin
Endorphins
Norepinephrine |
|
| TSH | Norepinephrine | Dopamine
Serotonin
Endorphins |
| ACTH | Endorphins
Serotonin
Acetylcholine | GABA |
