Two different types of neurosecretory neurones are found in the brain: neurohypophysial and hypophysiotrophic. Neurohypophysial neurones secrete the posterior pituitary hormones antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also known as vasopressin) and oxytocin into the general circulation, whereas hypophysiotrophic neurones secrete releasing factors into the blood that supplies the anterior pituitary. In general, all neurones are neurosecretory in that they release a synthesised product from their terminals, the difference being that in the central nervous system the neuronal product is released into the confines of the synaptic cleft instead of into the bloodstream. Conventional neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory neurones synapse with the neurohypophysial and hypophysiotrophic neurones and regulate them by secretion of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.
