Neuroendocrine cells are a specialized group of nerve cells (neurons) that produce hormones. These hormones may be amines, neuropeptides, or specialized amino acids. They package the hormones in vesicles and send these packages via long processes (axons) to blood vessels. When stimulated (by hormones from the blood stream or other 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.
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.
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CancerNet: Islet Cell Tumors - U.S. National Cancer Institute resource that provides information about neuroendocrine tumors involving the pancreas.
Meta Description: [ Information about islet cell carcinoma treatment, clinical trials, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute. ]
EndocrineWeb: Pancreas Endocrine Tumors - Illustrated discussion written in an understandable style and aimed at patients.
Meta Description: [ Insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and all other endocrine tumors of the pancreas. Written for patients, lots of pictures explain hormones, conditions, diabetes, cancer, tumors, surgery, and drug treatments. Find a hormone and/or cancer doctor and support group in your town. Symptoms, tests and diagnosi... ]
Endotext - Presents extensive information on individual neuroendocrine tumors.
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