Connections of the Limbic System with the MBH

Abstract

Physiological studies (lesions, stimulations, hormone implants, etc.) have shown limbic structures to have a modulatory or regulatory effect on hypothalamic mechanisms (Gloor 1960, Miller ind Mogenson 1971). It can be stated that there is no particular limbic area which would specifically affect the secretion of certain trophic hormones. Instead, the same area participates in the control of a number of pituitary hormones. In addition, limbic-hypothalamic connections are operational in several behavioral responses (Kawakami and Kimura 1978, Halász et al. 1979, Morgane 1979). It is assumed that limbic structures do not control pituitary secretion autonomously but are also responsive to the concentration of circulating hormones (estrogen, androgen, corticosterone: Bohus et al. 1968, Matheson et al. 1971, Sawyer 1972, Kawakami and Kimura 1978, Feldman and Conforti 1980), which thus participate in the feedback action of peripheral hormones. Upon electrical stimulation of the same limbic structures, facilitation and inhibition of hypothalamic neuronal activity were equally observed (Miller and Mogenson 1971).