Hypothalamic mechanisms coordinating cardiorespiratory function during exercise and defensive behaviour

• Published in: Autonomic neuroscience Vol. 142; no. 1; pp. 3 - 10
• Main Authors: Dampney, R.A.L, Horiuchi, J, McDowall, L.M
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 03.11.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Animals; Autonomic Nervous System - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiovascular control; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Circadian Rhythm - physiology; Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus - physiology; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Fear - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Hypertension - physiopathology; Hypothalamus; Medical Education; Peripheral nervous system. Autonomic nervous system. Neuromuscular transmission. Ganglionic transmission. Electric organ; Respiratory control; Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; Stress; Stress, Psychological - physiopathology; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Cardiovascular control; Exercise; Hypothalamus; Respiratory control; Stress; Physical exercise; Autonomic nervous system; Central nervous system; Behavior; Encephalon
• ISSN: 1566-0702; 1872-7484
• DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2008.07.005

Abstract Defensive behaviour evoked by mild or moderate psychological stress as well as increased activity and arousal are part of everyday life in humans and other animals. Both defensive behaviour and exercise are associated with marked and often quite stereotyped changes in autonomic and respiratory function. These patterned responses are generated by feed-forward or “central command” mechanisms, and are also modulated by feedback from peripheral receptors. In this review we first describe the pattern of autonomic and respiratory changes associated with defensive behaviour and exercise, and then discuss the central mechanisms that generate these patterned responses in the light of recent studies, with a particular focus on the role of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH). We consider the hypothesis that the cardiorespiratory changes associated with defensive behaviour and exercise may, at least in part, be driven by common central mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the possible role of the DMH in generating circadian rhythms in arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and also in generating longer-term increases in sympathetic activity in some types of hypertension.