title: Mechanisms in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis involved in control of autonomic and neuroendocrine functions: a review.
abstract: The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a heterogeneous and complex limbic forebrain structure, which plays an important role in controlling autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses. The BNST is thought to serve as a key relay connecting limbic forebrain structures to hypothalamic and brainstem regions associated with autonomic and neuroendocrine functions. Its control of physiological and behavioral activity is mediated by local action of numerous neurotransmitters. In the present review we discuss the role of the BNST in control of both autonomic and neuroendocrine function. A description of BNST control of cardiovascular and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axisactivity at rest and during physiological challenges (stress and physical exercise) is presented. Moreover, evidence for modulation of hypothalamic magnocellular neurons activity is also discussed. We attempt to focus on the discussion of BNST neurochemical mechanisms. Therefore, the source and targets of neurochemical inputs to BNST subregions and their role in control of autonomic and neuroendocrine function is discussed in details.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Natural Active Principles and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Araraquara, SP, 14801-902, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carlos C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Crestani
authors.forename: Fernando Hf
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: Felipe V
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Leonardo Bm
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Resstel
authors.forename: Fernando Ma
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Correa
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Herman
keywords: BNST; HPA axis; cardiovascular function; extended amygdala; neurotransmitters; stress and physical exercise.; vasopressin