Hypothalamus

As its name suggests, the hypothalamus lies beneath the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. Although it is quite small, accounting for only about 4 g of the total 1400 g of the adult human brain, it plays a vital role in maintenance of homeostasis in the body. It is composed of numerous cell groups and fiber pathways, each with a specific function. 

The hypothalamus plays a particularly important role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, which innervates cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands. Many of these effects involve ascending or descending 

Earlier investigations focused on peptides and other slow-acting agents as the principal neuroactive substances in neuronal circuits of the hypothalamus (Swanson, 1987). However, Van den Pol (1991) examined the presence Glu in several medial hypothalamic nuclei (the suprachiasmatic, arcuate, ventromedial, supraoptic and parvocellular and magnocellular periventricular nuclei) and detected a population of boutons displaying strong immunoreactiv-ity for Glu. Decavel and Van den Pol (1992) similarly found Glu-enriched terminals forming synapses with hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons (labeled by intravenous injections of 

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Somatostatin is a tetradecapeptide of the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of pituitary growth hormone Its ammo acid sequence has been determined by a combination of Edman degradations and enzymic hydrolysis expenments On the basis of the following data deduce the pnmary structure of somatostatin... 

Neurotensin. This hormone has been isolated and characterized from acid—acetone extracts of bovine hypothalamus (118) on the basis of its hypotensive activity. Immunoreactive neurotensin is present in mammalian gut and is distributed throughout the central nervous system its highest concentration is in the hypothalamus and in the substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord (119). Its overall brain distribution is not unlike that of enkephalin ( ) ... 

The class II cytokine receptor family includes receptors for interferon a/P (lEN a/P) and y (lENy) and IL-10. lEN-y immunoreactivity has been found in neurons in the hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, mammilary nuclei, and dorsal tegmentum. Astrocytes and microglia in vitro can be stimulated to express class II histocompatibiHty complex (MHC-II) antigens by lEN-y, which may be involved in the presentation of antigen to T-ceUs by astrocytes. Thus lEN-y may be critical in CNS-immune function and dysfunction especially in regard to neuronal and gHal apoptotic processes. 

The effects of VIP and PACAP are mediated by three GPCR subtypes, VIP, VIP2, and PACAP receptor, coupled to the activation of adenjiate cyclase (54). The VIP subtype is localized ia the lung, Hver, and iatestiae, and the cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb ia the CNS. The VIP2 receptor is most abundant ia the CNS, ia particular ia the thalamus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. PACAP receptors have a wide distribution ia the CNS with highest levels ia the olfactory bulb, the dentate gyms, and the cerebellum (84). The receptor is also present ia the pituitary. The VIP and PACAP receptors have been cloned. 

OT receptors are localized ia the brain hypothalamus, limbic system, cortex, striatum, olfactory system, and brain stem. In the periphery, OT is best known for its stimulation of uterine smooth muscle and the milk ejection reflex. Thr , Om ]oxytocin(l—8),... 

OT receptors in the hypothalamus are regulated by steroids. OT systems in the CNS are involved in homeostasis, reproduction, and related behavior. OT is also excitatory to neurons in the CNS at nanomolar concentrations (86), but relatively Httle is known about neuronal mechanisms and pharmacology. 

In the treatment of diseases where the metaboUtes are not being deUvered to the system, synthetic metaboUtes or active analogues have been successfully adrninistered. Vitamin metaboUtes have been successfully used for treatment of milk fever ia catde, turkey leg weakness, plaque psoriasis, and osteoporosis and renal osteodystrophy ia humans. Many of these clinical studies are outlined ia References 6, 16, 40, 51, and 141. The vitamin D receptor complex is a member of the gene superfamily of transcriptional activators, and 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D is thus supportive of selective cell differentiation. In addition to mineral homeostasis mediated ia the iatestiae, kidney, and bone, the metaboUte acts on the immune system, P-ceUs of the pancreas (iasulin secretion), cerebellum, and hypothalamus. 

Logically, ADH receptor antagonists, and ADH synthesis and release inhibitors can be effective aquaretics. ADH, 8-arginine vasopressin [113-79-17, is synthesized in the hypothalamus of the brain, and is transported through the supraopticohypophyseal tract to the posterior pituitary where it is stored. Upon sensing an increase of plasma osmolaUty by brain osmoreceptors or a decrease of blood volume or blood pressure detected by the baroreceptors and volume receptors, ADH is released into the blood circulation it activates vasopressin receptors in blood vessels to raise blood pressure, and vasopressin V2 receptors of the nephrons of the kidney to retain water and electrolytes to expand the blood volume. 

Body temperatures are primarily sensed by temperature sensors in the hypothalamus near the center of the brain. Arterial blood flowing over and near the hypothalamus gives it information about the average thermal condition of... 

T- Hypothalamus - center for temperature control (surrotmjed l>y flov ing blood]... 

Hyperbolic expansion The expansion of a fluid according to the law pV = Hypothalamus The temperature control center at the base of the brain, which regulates body temperature. Hypothermia The physiological state resulting when the deep core body temperature drops below 35 C. It results in vasoconstriction and shivering in an attempt to conserve body heat. 

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