FurtherANNUAL REVIEWS (7,(22)(23)(24). Rather, I attempt to provide a theoretical framework within which to construct novel insights into this rapidly developing area, and discuss certain pitfalls in opiate-cardiovascular studies.
BRIEF REVIEW OF CENTRAL AUTONOMIC-CARDiOVASCULAR PATHWAYSInformation regarding peripheral hemodynamic changes is detected by mechanoreceptors in the major arteries and relayed via vagal afferents to the brainstem. Stimulation of chemoreceptors, such as pulmonary "J" receptors found in the alveoli of the lung adjacent to pulmonary capillaries (25), can also result in the detection of changes in cardiorespiratory vari ables, which are likewise relayed via the ninth and tenth cranial nerves to Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 1983.23:541-541. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org by University of Nebraska -Lincoln on 09/19/13. For personal use only. .... ----------------I /SPLANCHNIC � . D " ME . EPI. NOREPI, · ENKEPH.Figu re J Central and peripheral autonomic pathways are represented in this simplified schematic of the neuronal circuitry that regulates cardiovascular responses. Solid lines gener ally represent parasympathetic innervations; dashed lines indicate pathways with greater direct relevance to sympathetic integration. The hypothalamus alone contains at least nine different nuclei with different anatomical and functional relationships among each other and with other autonomic nuclei. For a complete reference, see (26). Abbreviations AMYG Amygdala NTS Nucleus tractus solitarius LRN Lateral reticular nucleus LC Locus coeruJeus HYP Hypothalamus (many nuclei) ILN Intermediolateral nucleus Ji-ENDOR Beta endorphin EPI Epinephrine ENKEPH Enkepha1in DVN Dorsal vagal nucleus NA Nucleus ambiguus X Vagus nerve IX Ninth cranial nerve DYNOR Dynorphin NOREPI Norepinephrine AD MED Adrenal medulla Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 1983.23:541-541. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org by University of Nebraska -Lincoln on 09/19/13. For personal use only.