The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a thin sheet of neurons lining the upper wall of the third ventricle. It is a central command post for the stress response: it makes corticotropin-releasing hormone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone for the anterior pituitary, and oxytocin and vasopressin for the posterior pituitary.
| Location | Anterior hypothalamus, alongside the upper part of the third ventricle |
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| Blood Supply | Small perforating branches from the anterior cerebral and anterior communicating arteries; Superior hypophyseal arteries |
Coordinates hormonal and autonomic stress responses, controls the thyroid and adrenal axes, and produces oxytocin and vasopressin for release from the posterior pituitary.
The PVN starts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, so its overactivity is linked to chronic stress and depression. Loss of PVN function causes secondary adrenal and thyroid insufficiency. Genetic or developmental defects of the PVN are associated with severe early-onset obesity, as in some cases of Prader-Willi syndrome.
Low cortisol caused by inadequate CRH or ACTH drive after hypothalamic or pituitary damage, causing fatigue, low blood pressure and low blood sugar.
Excess vasopressin release causing water retention and low blood sodium, which can follow brain injury, infection or certain drugs.
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