Endocrine‐Autonomic Linkages

Abstract

Interaction between the autonomic nervous system and the neuroendocrine system is critical for maintenance of homeostasis in a wide variety of physiological parameters such as body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, and blood pressure and volume. The anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying integration of the neuroendocrine and autonomic mechanisms responsible for eliciting integrated autonomic and neuroendocrine actions are the focus of this article. This includes a focus on the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, because it includes both neuroendocrine neurons and preganglionic autonomic neurons that regulate sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow. The "wired" and "nonwired" mechanisms within PVN that facilitate communication between these neuronal populations are described. The impact of peripheral hormones, specifically the adrenal and gonadal steroids, on the neuroendocrine and autonomic systems is discussed, and exercise is used as a specific example of a physiological challenge/stress that requires precise integration of neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to maintain cardiovascular, fluid, and energy homeostasis.

Circadian peak dopaminergic activity response at the biological clock pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nucleus) area mediates the metabolic responsiveness to a high‐fat diet

“…The neuronal connections from the SCN to the VMH and PVN include its indirect projections to the brain stem where noradrenergic nuclei provide the majority of noradrenergic input to the VMH and PVN . The SCN also sends strong projections directly to the PVN a neural centre with strong regulatory control over peripheral metabolism …”

Kisspeptin innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus: sexual dimorphism and effect of estrous cycle in female mice

“…The large, sexually dimorphic innervation of PVN is probably one of the major targets, even if it is not directly related to reproduction, sexual behavior or puberty control. In fact, PVN plays a major role in other neuro-endocrine functions controlled by distinct neuronal subpopulations (Swanson & Sawchenko, 1980;Maniam & Morris, 2012;Bosch, 2013;Kov acs, 2013;Handa & Weiser, 2014;Pyner, 2014;van Swieten et al 2014;Sladek et al 2015). Therefore, the presence of positive fibers along the entire extension of the PVN suggests that kisspeptin could be implicated in the regulation of many of the physiological activities controlled by the PVN.…”

Activity-Dependent Neuroplastic Changes in Autonomic Circuitry Modulating Cardiovascular Control: The Essential Role of Baroreceptors and Chemoreceptors Signaling

“…SAD still reduced ascending noradrenergic fibers and the expression of magnocellular OT+ neurons, suggesting that afferent information conveyed by baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are important to maintain the tonicity of these neuroendocrine neurons. Indeed, it is known that baroreceptors' activity modulates plasma levels of oxytocin in response to changes in blood volume and/or osmolality (Sladek et al, 2015). On the other hand, exercise training did not change expression of local DBH+ fibers and OT+ neurons, indicating that exercise-induced neuronal plasticity was specific for the autonomic modulatory circuitry.…”