The hypothalamus is a brain structure critical for a healthy, long life in animals and humans. It controls vital bodily functions such as metabolic control, endocrine input, and many Peripheral Nervous System responses. A recent Nature research article contained experiment results showing the ability of the hypothalamus to prevent neural aging. The hypothalamus is vital for human life; however, manipulating metabolic and homeostatic processes is more important than maintaining neurons.
Human metabolism is controlled by released hormones throughout the body that regulate what the body desires, how it should process certain materials, and various other methods of maintaining homeostasis in the body. The hypothalamus receives input via the Peripheral Nervous System and allows the hypothalamus to know what environment and situation the body is in. After receiving input, the hypothalamus responds with output from the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for the hormone release and absorption in the body through various glands. The hormones released act as messengers to specific parts systems in the body, just as the nervous system does; however, hormones take longer to enact the desired result. Hormones control important parts of homeostasis, such as body temperature. The stability of such aspects of the human body is vital for continued bodily functions and for life. (Bailey, Regina)
In the study from the Nature article, the experiments conducted show the affects the hypothalamus has on preserving neurological cell life. Through blocking certain receptors on the hypothalamus, certain neurological pathways are stimulated or retarded, affecting the neurons efficiency and therefore also affecting brain processes. The hypothalamus maintains these pathways by sending out chemicals that cause microglia, macrophages of the brain and central nervous system, to destroy damaged nerve cells. The results of another experiment show the microglia aid in the remyelination of damaged nerve cells through oligodendrocyte differentiation. Oligodendrocytes provide the myelin sheath, a covering on neurons that increases the speed at which electrical impulses are sent, for multiple axons (Miron, V.E.) In helping with nerve cell development, the myelin sheaths on the nerve cells are repaired and the nerves function more ideally. The microglia are directed to either destroy or attempt to repair the cells at the command of the hypothalamus. These factors slow down the effects of aging of the nervous system that result in nervous system disorders later in life. (Cai, D)
When the hypothalamus fails to functionally control the hypothalamus efficiently, the body can experience a wide range of symptoms from depression to excess thirst. In instances of hypothyroidism, which can be caused by malfunctions in the hypothalamus’ ability to control the thyroid effectively, the effects can be mental slowing, fatigue, unbalanced levels of androgens and estrogens, and weight gain. These symptoms are a serious risk for the health of any individual suffering from hypothyroidism because the human body becomes unstable metabolically. Hypothyroidism is only one of many things that can result from hypothalamus failure to control homeostasis. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/)
When neurons in the brain and Central Nervous System degrade, there is the potential for Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, and other nervous system disorders to surface. These diseases are eventually lethal with there being little that can be done for the inflicted, especially in cases of Alzheimer’s and ALS. (www.news-medical.net/) In a recent article posted by Nature, there is evidence the hypothalamus may aid in preventing these diseases by maintaining the neurological pathways the brain uses to communicate. (Cai, D) Failure of the hypothalamus to do this could result in premature onset of mental diseases, but further studies would need to be done in order to verify if this was indeed the case.
When neurons in the brain and Central Nervous System degrade, there is the potential for Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, and other nervous system disorders to surface. These diseases are eventually lethal with there being little that can be done for the inflicted, especially in cases of Alzheimer’s and ALS. (www.news-medical.net/) In a recent article posted by Nature, there is evidence the hypothalamus may aid in preventing these diseases by maintaining the neurological pathways the brain uses to communicate. (Cai, D) Failure of the hypothalamus to do this could result in premature onset of mental diseases, but further studies would need to be done in order to verify if this was indeed the case.
Neural Pathways in the Brain (Schultz, Thomas)
Both factors of the hypothalamus are vital for life in humans. A body that can maintain homeostasis throughout numerous conditions allows for longevity, and the neural maintenance allows for sanity and better mental capabilities in prolonged life. The latter role is primarily a factor in older age, though, making it less important for life in comparison to the former role the hypothalamus plays.
Assuming the hypothalamus is indeed important towards preventing mental disorders in humans, the function it provides by maintaining homeostasis is still more important for life. The brain may be vital for life, but the hypothalamus’ role in brain functionality would only come into play more specifically at an older age. The importance of homeostasis for life is vital from the first day of life. Without a stable internal system, the human body would not function properly and impede survival. Therefore, the hypothalamus preserves life better through the maintenance of homeostasis than the maintenance of neurons.
Sources
Cai, D. (2013). Hypothalamic programming of systemic ageing involving IKK-β, NF-κB and GnRH. Nature, 497(7448), 211-216.Miron, V. E. (2013). M2 microglia and macrophages drive oligodendrocyte
differentiation during CNS remyelination. Nature Neuroscience, 16(9),1163-1355.
Neurodegeneration - What is Neurodegeneration?. (n.d.). THE MEDICAL NEWS | from News-Medical.Net - Latest Medical News and Research from Around the World. Retrieved September 30, 2013, from http://www.news-medical.net/health/Neurodegeneration-What-is-Neurodegeneration.aspx
Bailey, R. (n.d.). Hypothalamus. Biology. Retrieved September 30, 2013, from http://biology.about.com/od/anatomy/p/Hypothalamus.htm
Hypothalamic dysfunction: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 30, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001202.htm
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