Neuroendocrinology: a short historical review

Abstract

A short historical review from the early days of neuroendocrinology is presented recognizing hormones secreted by the pituitary gland; control of its functions by nuclei of the hypothalamus through the release of unknown substances in special capillary vessels; characterization of these releasing factors as peptides; studies of their mode of action; their use in clinical medicine; new and still ongoing demonstration of their ubiquity though not random in the brain and peripheral organs; and recent implications in control of behavior in animals and humans.