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Pulsatile Signaling

Meaning

Pulsatile signaling is the physiological phenomenon in which a hormone or neurohormone is secreted from its originating gland or neuroendocrine cell in discrete, rhythmic bursts or pulses, rather than being released in a continuous, steady stream. This non-continuous mode of communication is a critical feature for many central regulatory hormones, and the specific frequency and amplitude of these pulses convey distinct biological information to target cells. The integrity of this pattern is vital for proper endocrine function.