Posted by Q (198.64.206.92) on February 01, 2000 at 02:07:50:
Want to know how the limbic system controls the hypothalamus? This is rather difficult to read, but it seems relevant to the recent discussions.
My hope is that this is part of the "why" and not the mechanical "how". The idea forming is that something is driving the processes observed in the hypothalamus. That something must be able to control the hypothalamus, dupe it, and does so to take advantage of a weakness in the hypothalamus's gating mechanisms (or cover up a perceived threat).
Of especial interest is the idea that the limbic structures are involved in inhibition control. These are two effects of both alcohol and REM (dream-stage) sleep, and many other "triggers". This change in inhibition state could be the opportunity that the root CH-control mechanism wants (or fears) to trigger the CH attack.