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Vasopressin, Central Autonomic Control and Blood Pressure Regulation

  • Hypertension and the Brain (R Wainford, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We present recent advances in understanding of the role of vasopressin as a neurotransmitter in autonomic nervous system control of the circulation, emphasizing hypothalamic mechanisms in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) involved in controlling sympathetic outflow toward the cardiovascular system.

Recent Findings

Suggest that somato-dendritically released vasopressin modulates the activity of magnocellular neurons in the PVN and SON, their discharge pattern and systemic release. Advances have been made in uncovering autocrine and paracrine mechanisms controlling presympathetic neuron activity, involving intranuclear receptors, co-released neuroactive substances and glia.

Summary

It is now obvious that intranuclear release of vasopressin and the co-release of neuroactive substances in the PVN, as well as the level of expression of vasopressin receptors, modulate sympathetic outflow to the cardiovascular system and determine vulnerability to stress. Further research involving patho-physiological models is needed to validate these targets and foster the development of more efficient treatment.

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Author notes

  1. Maja Lozić and Olivera Šarenac contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia

    Maja Lozić, Olivera Šarenac & Nina Japundžić-Žigon

  2. Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, The Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK

    David Murphy

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  1. Maja Lozić
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  2. Olivera Šarenac
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  3. David Murphy
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  4. Nina Japundžić-Žigon
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Correspondence to Nina Japundžić-Žigon.

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Lozić, M., Šarenac, O., Murphy, D. et al. Vasopressin, Central Autonomic Control and Blood Pressure Regulation. Curr Hypertens Rep 20, 11 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-018-0811-0

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