The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus – a potential target for integrative treatment of autonomic dysfunction

BACKGROUND: The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) has emerged as one of the most important autonomic control centers in the brain, with neurons playing essential roles in controlling stress, metabolism, growth, reproduction, immune and other more traditional autonomic functions (gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular). OBJECTIVES: Traditionally the PVN was viewed as a nucleus in which afferent inputs from other regions were …