Effects of preoptic thermal stimulation on electrical activities of neurosecretory cells in paraventricular and periventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus.

In anesthetized rats, out of 48 paraventricular (PaV) and 19 periventricular (PeV) neurosecretory cells, 12 PaV and 6 PeV cells increased and 10 PaV cells decreased the electrical activities statically in response to preoptic and anterior hypothalamic warming. Four PaV and 2 PeV cells responded dynamically to the thermal stimulation. These results suggest various influences of thermal signals on the neuroendocrine system.