This chapter discusses hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, where hypothalamus is a part of the brain whereas pituitary is an endocrine gland. One of the functions of the hypothalamus is to produce hormones which are closely related to pituitary function. Most of the anterior pituitary hormones are controlled by hypothalamic hormones. The hypothalamic hormones are called releasing hormones. The releasing hormones are transported to the anterior pituitary in the bloodstream. Growth hormone decreases the peripheral utilization of glucose and increases gluconeogenesis in the liver. Oxytocin is synthesized predominantly in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Oxytocin brings about contraction of myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland ducts. Antidiuretic hormone reduces the rate of urine formation. Anterior pituitary secretes a large number of polypeptidehormones, of which growth hormone and prolactin have independent actions while others stimulate specific target glands. Antidiuretic hormone plays an important role in regulation of water balance.