Hipothalamus Part IV

Neurotransmitters in the Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus has been referred to as a “pharmacological museum” (Goodman and Gilman,
‘55) by virtue of the plethora of neurotransmitters that it contains. Some of these neurotransmitters are found in the terminals of axons that originate from neurons outside the hypothalamus, but most are synthesized within the hypothalamus itself. The list of putative neurotransmitters includes the “classical” transmitters ACh, GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine as well as literally dozens of peptides that have been identified in recent years.
While the overwhelming number of transmitters may create headaches for scientists and students, their presence offers hope for pharmacological intervention in the large number of different medical problems that are thought to involve the hypothalamus.

POINTS TO CONCENTRATE ON WHEN STUDYING:
1) Spatial relationships to surrounding brain structures. Don’t forget that the optic chiasm
   overlies the hypothalamus and therefore that visual disturbances (especially bitemporal
   hemianopsia, to be discussed in the vision lectures, can accompany pathology of the
   hypothalamus or hypophysis.

2) Know the location of each important nucleus or area with respect to the hypothalamic
   subdivisions (supraoptic, tuberal, etc.). This is, of course, helpful in diagnosis of lesions.

3) Functions: I consider all of the information in the handout with regard to functions as
   essential. However, you will not be tested on hormones since this material is covered in
   other courses. Read the section, “Functions of the Hypothalamus” very carefully.

4) Don’t worry about details in the “Neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus” section of the
   handout. Just read it for concepts.