Journal of International Psychiatry

Paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is one of the key nuclei in the initiation and modulation of stress response, which contains various types of neurons. Under the action of stressor, PVN neurons release hormones to the hypophysial portal system or neurohypophysis, which in turn trigger stress responses and play crucial roles in reproductive homeostasis, electrolyte balance and blood pressure regulation. However, the exact roles and mechanisms of different PVN neuron subtypes in stress response remain to be further investigated. This review summarizes recent progress on the role of distinct PVN neuronal subtypes in stress response, which may provide insight into the mechanistic studies of stress neurobiology and drug development.

Paraventricular nucleus; Stress; Neuronal subtypes