Abstract
This chapter discusses some of the recent evidence demonstrating a role for endogenous arginine vasopressin (AVP) as a neurotransmitter involved in neuronal pathways involved in blood pressure control. It presents evidence that putative vasopressinergic neurons that project to central autonomic nuclei receive baroreceptor information. The evidence that activation of central nuclei containing vasopressin neurons elevates blood pressure is examined. The chapter discusses the evidence that activation of such nuclei causes AVP release in appropriate post-synaptic areas and that this released AVP is responsible, in part, for the elevations in blood pressure. There is now considerable evidence that AVP is involved in the central control of blood pressure. Firstly, it is found in regions of the brain known to be involved in cardiovascular regulation. Secondly, an injection of the peptide into the lateral ventricles, intrathecal space, or directly into circumscribed brain tissue sites causes elevation of blood pressure and heart rate in both anesthetized and conscious rats.
Published Version
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