The pars tuberalis of the hypophysis: a modulator of the pars distalis?

The pineal hormone melatonin is known to influence circadian systems. Melatonin is also ascribed to mediate photoperiodic effects on the regulation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal axis. Other endocrine actions, especially a thyrotropic influence, have been postulated. Site and mechanism of action of melatonin, however, are still matters of speculation. In search of a functional cascade of (i) photoperiodic stimuli, (ii) their hormonal messenger melatonin, and (iii) endocrine targets, the pars tuberalis has gained a key position. The recent discovery and characterization of melatonin receptors located in the pars tuberalis of several species support such a functional significance. Earlier results point to a functional connection of the pars tuberalis with the pineal gland: the pars tuberalis is known for a pattern of differentiation distinctly different from other parts of the adenohypophysis. It contains a specific cell population with a morphology typical of peptide secreting cells. Like the hypothalamic nerve endings of the median eminence, they are in close contact with the primary plexus of the portal system. In contrast to secretory cells of the pars distalis, the specific cells of the pars tuberalis do not respond with morphological alterations to functional changes of peripheral endocrine glands. Yet, photoperiodic stimuli obviously influence morphology and functional activity of the pars tuberalis-specific cells. Investigations during recent years have led to the tentative conclusion that the pars tuberalis represents the hypophysial "receptor" for melatonin as the chemical messenger of photoperiodic stimuli. Depending on melatonin secretion pattern and melatonin receptivity, the pars tuberalis seems to modulate at least gonadotropic and thyrotropic activity of the pars distalis via a peptide hormone distributed in the pars distalis by the portal plexus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)