Abstract
Maintenance of bodily homeostasis by the central nervous system involves complex interactions between the neuroendocrine and the autonomic nervous systems. Concerted actions between these systems have critical implications both in physiological and pathological conditions. Still, relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying the generation and integration of complex patterns of homeostatic responses, particularly at the cellular and/or network levels. This chapter provides an overview of the anatomical and cellular organization of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a major center involved in autonomic and neuroendocrine integration. Particular emphasis is devoted to recent advances in our understanding of paracrine signaling mechanisms underlying transfer of information within and between autonomic and neuroendocrine circuits in the PVN, including nitric oxide and somatodendritic vasopressin release.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Central Regulation of Autonomic Functions |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780199894130 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780195306637 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2011 |
Keywords
- Autonomic
- Homeostasis
- Hypothalamus
- Neuroendocrine
- Nitric oxide
- Paraventricular nucleus
- Vasopressin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience