Central pressor actions of tachykinin NK-3 receptor in the paraventricular nucleus of the rat hypothalamus.

The central pressor actions of the tachykinin NK-3 receptor in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus were examined in anesthetized rats. In forebrain-restricted animals, the selective tachykinin NK-3 receptor agonist senktide (10 micrograms, i.c.v.) increased the blood pressure, and this pressor response was more potent than in control animals. Injection of senktide into the PVN also increased the blood pressure, and this pressor response was inhibited by pretreatment with the vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist (10 micrograms/kg, i.v.). These results suggest that central injection of senktide stimulated the NK-3 receptor in the PVN of the hypothalamus, and increased blood pressure by inducing release of vasopressin from the pituitary gland.