title: Activation of the central vasopressin system: a potential factor in the etiology of hypertension.
abstract: Peptides containing the ACTH4-10 or gamma MSH3-9 sequence have varying degrees of natriuretic activity. Several of these peptides also possess pressor activity. The basis for the cardiovascular effect appears to be increased central sympathetic drive. The mechanism by which circulating gamma MSH affects central cardiovascular regulation is via an interaction with structures in the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region, resulting in stimulation of the central vasopressin system. This pathway projects from the forebrain to hindbrain and spinal cord centers which regulate autonomic drive. We have extended these initial findings to other central sympathoexcitatory pressor factors, including hypertonic saline (HS) and angiotensin II (A-II). In both of these cases, the central vasopressin system mediates their autonomic effects. Since HS and A-II also work through the AV3V, the central vasopressin system may be partially responsible for the increased sympathetic drive noted in forms of hypertension which are AV3V-dependent.
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000502:physiology*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D009318:Natriuresis; D010455:Peptides / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000494:pharmacology; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D014667:Vasopressins; D000804:Angiotensin II; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones