Neuroendocrine Control of the Vascular System

The stimulation of the neurohypophyseal, adrenal, gonadal, and thyroidal neuroendocrine axes results in the synthesis and release of hormones and peptides involved in cardiovascular regulation. These hormones and peptides, acting on specific receptors in different organs and tissues of the cardiovascular system, regulate vasodilation and vasoconstriction of the vessels, chronotropic and ionotropic effects in the heart, and water and electrolyte homeostasis in the kidneys. In addition, a number of vasoactive hormones produced by the heart, kidney, endothelium, and adipose tissue have local and systemic effects on the cardiovascular function. This chapter focuses on the neuroendocrine control of the cardiovascular system in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.