Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry a signal between nerve cells and impart an effect when they bind to specific receptors on cells.
As previously shown, the hypothalamic hormone Prolactin inhibiting factor (PIF) was later discovered to be the neurotransmitter Dopamine. Other neurotransmitters that effect secretion of anterior lobe pituitary hormones are summarized in the table.
Table 2: Neurotransmitter Effect on Pituitary Hormonal SecretionPituitary 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 |