Multisensory Hypothalamic Neurons May Explain Interactions Among Regulatory Systems

Abstract

Homeostatic systems are controlled by hypothalamic neurons that sense endogenous factors, including temperature, osmolality, glucose, and reproductive hormones. The concept of "functional specificity" implies that each neuron senses only one factor, but in vitro studies show that a neuron can respond to multiple factors. This may explain many interactions observed between regulatory systems.