The diffuse neuroendocrine system: a molecular perspective.

This review seeks to illustrate that the concept of a 'diffuse neuroendocrine system' arises from a series of ontogenetic, phylogenetic and functional overlaps borne out at the molecular level, which engender an apparent global unit. Extrapolation from the overlaps should lead to the discovery of new facets in the relationships between molecular components of the DNES, and this approach will lead to a spectrum of markers and probes with a variety of clinical applications. Initial approaches progressed from cellular function toward molecular anatomy, but converse questions starting from anatomical markers are now arising.