Medicine & USMLE

Tuberoinfundibular Pathway

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Dopaminergic Pathways
  1. Mesocortical Pathway
  2. Mesolimbic Pathway
  3. Nigrostriatal Pathway
  4. Tuberoinfundibular Pathway

Tuberoinfundibular Pathway

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Summary

The tuberoinfundibular pathway is a dopaminergic pathway that projects from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland. Dopamine signaling in this pathway works to suppress prolactin production.

Key Points

  • Tuberoinfundibular Pathway
    • Dopaminergic Pathway
      • Connect the tuberal region of hypothalamus (arcuate/infundibular nucleus) to the median eminence of anterior pituitary gland
    • Function
      • Inhibits prolactin release
        • D2 signaling at lactotrophs of anterior pituitary gland inhibits PRL production and release
    • Lesions
      • Inhibited in Hyperprolactinemia
        • Presents with decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia, galactorrhea