The aging of the endocrine hypothalamus and its dependent endocrine glands.

Clusters of poorly demarcated neurons, called nuclei, situated in the hypothalamic area are the source of hormones which through the succession of their actions on the pituitary and the peripheral endocrine glands, regulate and control major functions of the organism, namely, reproduction, energy, metabolism and adaptation. The significance of these vital functions is obvious; thus our understanding of the course of endocrine hypothalamus functioning throughout the length of life is evidently of paramount importance. Numerous genetic and intrinsic or environmental factors can influence or derange the endocrine function of the hypothalamus. However, the most consistent and inevitable factor, one which we now know commences earlier than was once assumed, is aging.