Paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus

Paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus

Image of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the hypothalamus.
Latin	nucleus paraventricularis hypothalami

The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is a critical structure within the hypothalamus of the brain. It plays a vital role in the regulation of various physiological processes, including the stress response, metabolism, and autonomic nervous system functions.

Anatomy

The PVN is located in the anterior part of the hypothalamus, adjacent to the third ventricle. It is composed of distinct groups of neurons that produce various neuropeptides and hormones. The PVN is divided into magnocellular and parvocellular components, each with specific functions.

Magnocellular Neurons

The magnocellular neurons of the PVN primarily produce the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH). These hormones are transported down the axons to the posterior pituitary gland, where they are released into the bloodstream.

Parvocellular Neurons

The parvocellular neurons produce releasing hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary gland. These include corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is crucial for the stress response by stimulating the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary.

Functions

The PVN is involved in several key physiological processes:

• Stress Response: The PVN is a major player in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is activated during stress. CRH from the PVN stimulates the release of ACTH, leading to cortisol production from the adrenal glands.

• Fluid Balance: Vasopressin released from the PVN helps regulate water retention in the kidneys, maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure.

• Reproductive Behaviors: Oxytocin from the PVN is involved in childbirth and lactation, as well as social bonding and sexual reproduction.

• Autonomic Regulation: The PVN influences the autonomic nervous system, affecting heart rate, digestion, and other involuntary functions.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the PVN can lead to various disorders. For example, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin can result in conditions such as diabetes insipidus or the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Abnormal CRH production can contribute to Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease.

Also see

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary gland
• Oxytocin
• Vasopressin
• Corticotropin-releasing hormone