Contemporary aspects of deconvolution analysis to appraise in vivo neuroendocrine secretory events

Neuroendocrine secretory events are difficult to evaluate in vivo, since the form of the secretory episode is altered by subject-specific rates of hormone distribution, interconversion, and/or degradation. Deconvolution analysis concerns itself with accurately reconstructing the nature of the secretory discharge, based on serial measurements of neurohormone concentrations and some knowledge of metabolic clearance. Here, we have (i) defined available deconvolution techniques, (ii) discussed associated assumptions and limitations, (iii) reviewed the application of deconvolution approaches to neuroendocrine pathophysiology, (iv) illustrated the dissection of circadian and ultradian rhythms in secretion, and (v) identified unresolved problems and prospective developments in the deconvolution field. This background should aid the neuroendocrinologist and physiologist in the planning and evaluation of experiments designed to appraise the regulation of neurosecretory events in vivo.