Development of the neurohypophysis: A major neuroendocrine interface.

The neurohypophysis is a major central neuroendocrine interface regulating reproductive functions and water homeostasis. Distinct neurovascular cell types interact via evolutionarily conserved signaling molecules in the developing neurohypophysis, providing a model system for studying principles in neuroendocrine interface morphogenesis. This review provides an overview of neurohypophysis development with a focus on paracrine signaling and the intrinsic mechanisms that regulate the major cell types and neurovascular interface development.