ABSTRACT
A variety of in vitro approaches have provided diverse insights into the function of neuroendocrine systems. In vitro approaches have advanced the field of neuroendocrinology by providing the opportunity to study neuroendocrine systems in controlled conditions and in isolation from peripheral feedback systems. The dispersed prepartions have proved useful for studies addressing developmental issues and questions related to regulation of neuroendocrine gene expression. In contrast to the explants described that are useful for studying neuroendocrine systems over a period of hours to days, other types of hypothalamic explants prepared from fetal tissues have proved useful for studies that demand stable systems lasting for several weeks. The success of studies using the Hypothalamo-Neurohypophyseal System explants led investigators to devise hypothalamic explant preparations appropriate for studying the other hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems. For the neuroendocrine systems regulating anterior pituitary function, the terminal field was the median eminence.
