[Changes in suprachiasmatic and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei in essential hypertension]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation
Published on: August 4, 2023
1Russian Cardiology Research Center, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Suprachiasmatic and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei (SCN and PVN, respectively) were studied in humans with essential hypertension (EH) and in healthy individuals who had normal blood pressure and died by accident (control group). Immunohistochemistry, hybridization in situ using computer image analysis have shown that EH patients have decreased number of vasopressin (VP) positive cells in SCN, high number of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) producing neurones in PVN and increased amount of mRNA for CRH in them. A negative linear correlation was found between the number of CRH-producing cells in PVN, amount of mRNA for CRH in them and the number of VP-synthesizing cells in SCN. The presence of GABA in VP-producing cells in SCN together with the data obtained suggest the presence of certain "disinhibition" of CRH-producing cells in PVN in EH which could cause enhanced synthesis of ACTH in anterior hypophysis and increased secretion of corticosteroids by the adrenal gland.
Related Concept Videos
Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure