The endocrine system plays crucial roles in neuroscience, governing the communication and coordination of various physiological processes within the nervous system. It comprises a network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, thereby interacting with the nervous system to regulate neural activity and brain function. Interplay between the two systems is essential for responding to stress and modulating a range of cognitive and behavioural functions. Hormones from the endocrine system exert their effects on target cells through specific receptors. In the brain, hormones influence neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter release. Here, the hypothalamus acts as a critical link between the nervous and endocrine systems. It integrates sensory information and signals from other brain regions to control the secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland. A critical endocrine pathway in neuroscience is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates responses to stress. When the brain perceives threat, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which signals the adrenal glands to secrete stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol itself acts on various brain regions, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, to modulate memory, emotion, and cognition in response to stress. The endocrine system also plays a crucial role in brain development and maturation. During foetal development, hormones, particularly thyroid hormones, are essential for proper neuronal migration, differentiation, and the formation of neural circuits. Thyroid hormone deficiencies during this critical period can lead to congenital hypothyroidism. Furthermore, sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, also affect brain development and sexual differentiation. They influence the structure and function of brain regions involved in reproductive behaviours and emotional processing, contributing to sex-specific differences in neural architecture and cognitive functions. In addition to brain development, the endocrine system regulates various aspects of adult brain function, including mood, cognition, and behaviour. For example, sex hormones continue to influence brain function throughout life, with estrogen showing neuroprotective effects and influencing memory and mood. Thyroid hormones similarly play a crucial role in maintaining overall brain metabolism and energy production, essential for neuronal health and function. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can cause cognitive impairments, mood disturbances, and altered brain activity. Beyond the HPA axis, other endocrine pathways are involved in modulating brain function. The endocrine pancreas, which produces insulin and glucagon, is essential for regulating glucose levels in the brain. Glucose is a primary energy source for neurons, and maintaining its proper levels is critical for optimal brain function. Dysregulation of glucose metabolism is associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Finally, the endocrine system also interacts with the immune system in the brain, influencing the brain's response to inflammation and infection. Cytokines- signalling molecules of the immune system- can act as neuromodulators and affect neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and mood. We provide a large product range of research reagents for studying the endocrine system, including Estrogen Receptor alpha antibodies, Progesterone Receptor antibodies, ACTH antibodies, Estrogen Receptor alpha ELISA Kits, and Progesterone Receptor ELISA Kits. Explore our full endocrine system product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Gonadotrophic Axis, Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis, and Thyroid Axis product ranges.