The mammalian hypothalamic magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei are among the best understood of all peptidergic neurons. Through their anatomical features, vasopressin- and oxytocin-containing neurons have revealed many important aspects of dendritic functions. Here, we review our understanding of the mechanisms of somato-dendritic peptide release, and the effects of autocrine, paracrine and hormone-like signalling on neuronal networks and behaviour.
Keywords: calcium; homeostasis; hypothalamus; paraventricular nucleus; priming; supraoptic nucleus.
© 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.