Since the discovery of vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) in 1953, considerable knowledge
has been gathered about their roles in cardiovascular homeostasis. Unraveling VP vasoconstrictor
properties and V1a receptors in blood vessels generated powerful hemostatic drugs and
drugs effective in the treatment of certain forms of circulatory collapse (shock). Recognition of the
key role of VP in water balance via renal V2 receptors gave birth to aquaretic drugs found to be
useful in advanced stages of congestive heart failure. There are still unexplored actions of VP and
OT on the cardiovascular system, both at the periphery and in the brain that may open new venues
in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. After a brief overview on VP, OT and their peripheral action
on the cardiovascular system, this review focuses on newly discovered hypothalamic mechanisms
involved in neurogenic control of the circulation in stress and disease.