Model of neuroendocrine hormone release might lead to improved hormone delivery systems

Many of our bodily functions are intricately tied to complex biological rhythms, many of which are influenced by hormones. Modeling hormone production in parts of the brain, such as the hypothalamus and pituitary regions, is complicated because we do not fully understand the mechanisms of neuroendocrine hormone release.

Churilov et al. present a mathematical model for pulsatility, or the rhythm of hormone release, in neuroendocrine regulation. Such a model can help guide the administration of hormone replacements or medication for neuroendocrine diseases and can generate important features such as realistic hormone profiles, including ultradian and circadian rhythms and pulsatile secretory patterns.

“The present research opens up the possibility of developing impulsive-type drug delivery systems as a therapeutic option. By controlling the pulse duration and timing of hormone delivery it may be possible to duplicate exactly the dynamics of a healthy neuroendocrine system,” said author Alexander Churilov.

The authors used Goodwin-type reaction scheme, which has been simplified to assume that aggregations hypothalamic neurons, serving as pulse generators, are synchronized and behave as a single “integrate-and-fire“ oscillator. They specifically applied the model to the reproductive system.

“The temporal patterns of the hormonal signals, such as their frequencies, are no less important than hormonal concentrations that are commonly tested instantaneously,” said Churilov. “This observation motivates the eventual development of pulsatile drug delivery systems.”

The authors note that more detailed or complex neural network type models might be required in the future to ensure the accurate preservation of the pulsatile nature of the hypothalamic output.

Source: “An integrate-and-fire model for pulsatility in the neuroendocrine system,” by Alexander N. Churilov, John Milton, and Elvira R. Salakhova, Chaos (2020). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0010553 .