Hypothalamic sites for cardiovascular and sympathetic modulation by prostaglandin E2

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 0.5 - 5 nmol/kg) injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle of the rat increased the systemic blood pressure and heart rate in a dose dependent manner. These effects were accompanied by increases in plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentration. Injection of low dose of prostaglandin E2 into discrete hypothalamic nuclei induced a marked increase in heart rate, a moderate increase in the arterial blood pressure and a significant elevation of plasma norepinephrine level. This study suggests a possible central role for PGE2 in modulation of cardiovascular dynamics and sympathetic nervous activity.