The
paraventricular nucleus (PVN, PVA, or PVH) is a neuronal nucleus in the
hypothalamus. It contains groups of
neurons that can be activated by
stressful and/or
physiological changes. Many PVN neurons project directly to the posterior
pituitary where they release
oxytocin or
vasopressin into the general circulation. Other PVN neurons control various anterior
pituitary functions, while still others directly regulate
appetite and
autonomic functions in the brainstem and spinal cord.