Central Autonomic Network Regions and Hypertension: Unveiling Sympathetic Activation and Genetic Therapeutic Perspectives

Vera Geraldes, Sérgio Laranjo, Catarina Nunes, Isabel Rocha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
49 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension, a leading cause of death, was investigated in this study to understand the role of specific brain regions in regulating blood pressure. The lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN), Kolliker-fuse nucleus (KF), and periductal grey matter (PAG) were examined for their involvement in hypertension. Methods: Lentiviral vectors were used to alter the activity of these brain regions in hypertensive rats. Over a 75-day period, blood pressure, heart rate, reflex responses, and heart rate variability were measured. Results: Decreasing the activity in the LPBN resulted in a reduced sympathetic outflow, lowering the blood pressure and heart rate. In the KF, the sympathetic activity decreased and chemoreflex variation was attenuated, without affecting the blood pressure. Silencing the PAG had no significant impact on blood pressure or sympathetic tone, but decreased cardiac baroreflex gain. Discussion: These findings highlight the significant role of the LPBN in hypertension-related sympathetic activation. Additionally, LPBN and KF neurons appear to activate mechanisms that control respiration and sympathetic outflow during chemoreceptor activation. Conclusions: The study provided insights into the contribution of the midbrain and pontine regions to neurogenic hypertension and offers potential avenues for future genetic interventions and developing novel treatment approaches.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1153
JournalBiology
Volume12
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2023

Keywords

  • baroreceptor reflex
  • chemoreceptor reflex
  • essential hypertension
  • genetic therapy
  • lateral parabrachial nucleus
  • lentivirus
  • periaqueductal grey matter
  • rostral ventrolateral medulla
  • sympathoexcitation

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