Anatomical data supporting the concept of prefrontal influences upon hypothalamo-medullary relays in the rat

Based upon physiological evidence, it has been suggested that the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) influences cardiovascular functions by acting upon hypothalamic relays to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Presented in this paper is preliminary anatomical evidence to support such an hypothesis. Using a combination of tracers, it was observed that within the posterolateral hypothalamus there was an overlap of input from the LPFC and output to the RVLM.