Abstract
This chapter discusses central vasopressin (VP) systems and steroid hormones. VP is released from neurons residing in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) that projects to the posterior pituitary. Using a wide variety of different techniques, the largest part of the VPergic innervation in the brain is traced back to four major VP systems: (1) the sexually dimorphic system, with VP neurons localized in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the medial amygdala (AME), (2) the autonomic, (3) endocrine system originating from parvocellular VP neurons located in the PVN, and (4) the biological clock system derived from VP neurons located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Steroid hormones and central VP systems interact in a variety of ways. The clearest example is presented by the sexually dimorphic system that shows a complete disappearance in the absence of gonadal steroids. The chapter describes the effect of VP on steroid hormones. A large number of experiments have indicated an effect of gonadal steroids on the VP system that projects to the bloodstream. The effects on the magnocellular VP system that result from the direct influence of steroid hormones on magnocellular VP neurons or involve indirect effects of steroid hormones affecting the central regulation of VP secretion from the posterior pituitary are discussed.
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