Phasic spiking in vasopressin neurons: How and Why. 2021

Duncan J MacGregor
Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

The plain title might have been an almost retro sounding grumpy retort, but it has inspired a journey of sorts, and something along the way I hope you won't have come across before. An opinionated exploration of the distinctive phasic spiking patterns of magnocellular vasopressin neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. A mostly life essential population of neurons that signal the kidneys to regulate water loss in response to signals that encode plasma volume and osmotic pressure, as well as regulating blood pressure, and possibly metabolism and social behaviour. The viewpoint of a modeller shorn of any explicit maths.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007031 Hypothalamus Ventral part of the DIENCEPHALON extending from the region of the OPTIC CHIASM to the caudal border of the MAMMILLARY BODIES and forming the inferior and lateral walls of the THIRD VENTRICLE. Lamina Terminalis,Preoptico-Hypothalamic Area,Area, Preoptico-Hypothalamic,Areas, Preoptico-Hypothalamic,Preoptico Hypothalamic Area,Preoptico-Hypothalamic Areas
D009474 Neurons The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D010121 Oxytocin A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION. Ocytocin,Pitocin,Syntocinon
D010286 Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus Nucleus in the anterior part of the HYPOTHALAMUS. Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus,Paraventricular Nucleus,Hypothalamic Nucleus, Paraventricular,Nucleus, Hypothalamic Paraventricular,Nucleus, Paraventricular,Nucleus, Paraventricular Hypothalamic,Paraventricular Nucleus, Hypothalamic
D013495 Supraoptic Nucleus Hypothalamic nucleus overlying the beginning of the OPTIC TRACT. Accessory Supraoptic Group,Nucleus Supraopticus,Supraoptic Nucleus of Hypothalamus,Accessory Supraoptic Groups,Group, Accessory Supraoptic,Groups, Accessory Supraoptic,Hypothalamus Supraoptic Nucleus,Nucleus, Supraoptic,Supraoptic Group, Accessory,Supraoptic Groups, Accessory,Supraopticus, Nucleus
D014667 Vasopressins Antidiuretic hormones released by the NEUROHYPOPHYSIS of all vertebrates (structure varies with species) to regulate water balance and OSMOLARITY. In general, vasopressin is a nonapeptide consisting of a six-amino-acid ring with a cysteine 1 to cysteine 6 disulfide bridge or an octapeptide containing a CYSTINE. All mammals have arginine vasopressin except the pig with a lysine at position 8. Vasopressin, a vasoconstrictor, acts on the KIDNEY COLLECTING DUCTS to increase water reabsorption, increase blood volume and blood pressure. Antidiuretic Hormone,Antidiuretic Hormones,beta-Hypophamine,Pitressin,Vasopressin,Vasopressin (USP),Hormone, Antidiuretic,beta Hypophamine

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