Destruction of noradrenergic neurons in rabbit brainstem elevates plasma vasopressin, causing hypertension

When A1 noradrenergic neurons in the caudal ventrolateral medulla of rabbits are destroyed electrolytically or by local injection of the neurotoxin kainic acid, the concentration of vasopressin in plasma increases, causing hypertension. The A1 neurons may tonically inhibit the activity of vasopressin-secreting neuroendocrine cells through a direct hypothalamic projection.