Central Cardiovascular Regulation and the Role of Vasopressin: A Review

Abstract

This paper will review the current state of knowledge concerning interactions between vasopressin and central neural mechanisms of cardiovascular regulation. The development of information concerning systemic cardiovascular effects of vasopressin and interactions between vasopressin and the peripheral autonomic system is outlined to provide an introduction to the topic. Major themes discussed in the rest of the paper include a survey of information suggesting direct central effects of vasopressin on autonomic control of blood pressure and heart rate and the possible localization of the central site of effect. Evidence that circulating vasopressin may act on central cardiovascular control, especially baroreflex function, is reviewed, as is the possibility of vasopressin effects on baroreflex control independent of circulating vasopressin. A survey of central pathways containing vasopressin which may be relevant to central cardiovascular actions of vasopressin is presented along with a discusson of possible regulation of activity in these pathways. Some evidence of an association between alterations in brain vasopressin levels and hypertension in experimental animals is also introduced.

Key Words:

• Brain
• Autonomic nervous system
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Body fluid balance
• Baroreflex, Hypertension