Neuro-endocrinology
The widespread effects include regulation of circadian metabolic, cognitive, cardiovascular, and immunological behavior as well as reproduction, fluid balance, growth, and development. It’s also vital for a protective response to both internal and external stressors. The NE system consists of groups of neurons, glands, and non-endocrine tissues that produce and receive chemical signals in the form of hormones and neurotransmitters to collectively regulate physiological and behavioral states and gene transcription. Integrating these dynamic physiological circuits must provide an output appropriate for their target tissues' response parameters and direct adaptive changes in physiological and behavioral states.
How stress causes disease
Stress-related disease is a rapidly increasing phenomenon in our society, but the mechanisms through which it causes disease are very poorly understood. Diverse areas of basic research have often been fundamental to understanding the neuroendocrine system. At LUMC, neuroendocrine research aims to understand the basic integrative mechanisms that operate under normal physiological circumstances and the dysregulation of the NE system in disease states.
…How stress causes disease
Stress-related disease is a rapidly increasing phenomenon in our society, but the mechanisms through which it causes disease are very poorly understood. Diverse areas of basic research have often been fundamental to understanding the neuroendocrine system. At LUMC, neuroendocrine research aims to understand the basic integrative mechanisms that operate under normal physiological circumstances and the dysregulation of the NE system in disease states.
These areas include studies of:
- neuropeptide function and mechanism of action;
- activity of neuronal circuits;
- neuroanatomy;
- signaling of nuclear receptors;
- pharmacokinetic aspects, such as transport of substances into the brain;
- production and the action of hormones on the brain.
Moreover, homeostatic systems typically involve integrated endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses. In many of these systems, the classic neuroendocrine axes are important but not autonomous pathways, and these subjects are also often studied in the context of neuroendocrinology. The aim is to provide therapies for neuroendocrine diseases and disorders and to advance methods for beneficially regulating normal neuroendocrine function in humans.
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