Mechanisms in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Involved in Control of Autonomic and Neuroendocrine Functions: A Review

Autor(es)

Crestani, Carlos C. ^[1] ; Alves, Fernando H. F. ^[2] ; Gomes, Felipe V. ^[2] ; Resstel, Leonardo B. M. ^[2] ; Correa, Fernando M. A. ^[2] ; Herman, James P. ^[3]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Nat Act Principles & Toxicol, Pharmacol Lab, UNESP, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Pharmacol, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Cincinnati, Metab Dis Inst, Dept Psychiat & Behav Neurosci, Cincinnati, OH 45237 - USA

• Tipo de documento: Artigo de Revisão
• Fonte: Current Neuropharmacology; v. 11, n. 2, p. 141-159, MAR 2013.
• Citações Web of Science: 93

Resumo

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. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 10/16192-8 - Efeitos cardiovasculares decorrentes da administração crônica de testosterona e cocaína em ratos
• Beneficiário: Carlos Cesar Crestani
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular