Tuberoinfundibular pathway

The tuberoinfundibular pathway refers to a population of dopamine neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the mediobasal hypothalamus (the 'tuberal region') that project to the median eminence (the 'infundibular region'). It is one of the four major dopamine pathways in the brain. Dopamine released at this site regulates the secretion of prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland.

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Some antipsychotic drugs block dopamine in the tuberoinfundibular pathway, which can cause an increase in blood prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia). This can cause abnormal lactation (even in men), disruptions to the menstrual cycle in women, visual problems, headache and sexual dysfunction.

Other major dopamine pathways include:

• mesocortical pathway
• mesolimbic pathway
• nigrostriatal pathway

See also

• antipsychotic
• dopamine