They are also found in smaller numbers in accessory cell groups between these two nuclei, the largest one being the circular nucleus.
These cells are neuroendocrine neurons, are electrically excitable, and generate action potentials in response to afferent stimulation.
[2] Vasopressin is produced from the vasopressin-producing cells via the AVP gene, a molecular output of circadian pathways.
[citation needed] Magnocellular neurosecretory cells in rats (where these neurons have been most extensively studied) in general have a single long varicose axon, which projects to the posterior pituitary.
[4] The cells typically have two or three long dendrites, which also contain large dilations and a very high density of hormone-containing vesicles.