The secretion of adenohypophyseal hormones is controlled by hypothalamic hypophysotropic hormones with stimulating (hormone releasing factors) or inhibitory (hormone release inhibiting factors) actions. The release of hypothalamic hormones is regulated by hierarchically higher nerve centres via neurons which liberate neurotransmitters at their endings. The secretion of growth hormone is controlled by hypothalamic hormones, somatotropin releasing factor and somatotropin release-inhibiting factor; of the neurotransmitters, the strongest effects have noradrenaline and dopamine. The release of ACTH is controlled by two stimulating hormones, the ACTH releasing factor and vasopressin, the effects of neurotransmitters are less marked, with the involvement of noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine, gamma aminobutyric acid and other agents. Prolactin release is under the main inhibitory control of hypothalamic dopamine, no release-stimulating hypothalamic factor could be unequivocally demonstrated as yet; likely, several peptides are involved in this mechanism. The release of thyrotropic hormone is stimulated by thyrotropin releasing factor, whereas somatotropin release-inhibiting factor has an inhibitory action. Of the neurotransmitters, the inhibitory effect of dopamine is important; this agent however acts also at the hypophyseal level. External hypothalamic hormones and regulatory neurotransmitters are used in the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine disorders.