G protein-coupled receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei--serpentine gateways to neuroendocrine homeostasis.

ABSTRACT: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of transmembrane receptors in the mammalian genome. They are activated by a multitude of different ligands that elicit rapid intracellular responses to regulate cell function. Unsurprisingly, a large proportion of therapeutic agents target these receptors. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus are important mediators in homeostatic control. Many modulators of PVN/SON activity, including neurotransmitters and hormones act via GPCRs--in fact over 100 non-chemosensory GPCRs have been detected in either the PVN or SON. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the expression of GPCRs within the PVN/SON, including data from recent transcriptomic studies that potentially expand the reper

SUBMITTER: Hazell GG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3336209 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature