An excitatory connection between the DMH and PVN that uses tachykinin NK1 receptors

The dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) innervates the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) with substance P (SP) immunoreactive neurones. The PVN itself powerfully influences both the neuroendocrine and the cardiovascular systems.Glutamate application to the DMH increased action current frequency in the PVN. This effect was prevented by the glutamate antagonist kynurenic acid or by synaptic block with a high-Mg2+ low-Ca2+ buffer solution.the selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist L-703606 also inhibited DMH-to-PVN neurotransmission.an excitatory connection between the DMH and PVN that uses tachykinin NK1 receptors. This pathway may be important for the hypothalamic control of neuroendocrine and/or cardiovascular function

Reference: Experimental Physiology 92.4 pp 671-676DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2007.037457 Matthew D. Womack1 and Richard Barrett-Jolley1Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Building, Brownlow Hill & Crown Street, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK