V and V vasopressin receptors within the paraventricular nucleus contribute to hypertension in male rats exposed to chronic mild unpredictable stress.

Depression is an independent nontraditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS) rat model is a validated model of depression. Within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), vasopressin (VP) via VR and VR have been implicated in stress and neurocardiovascular dysregulation.