Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Hypertension
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Hypertension. 2002;39:275-280
doi: 10.1161/hy0202.104272
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Allen, A. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Allen, A. M.
Right arrowPubmed/NCBI databases
*Compound via MeSH
*Substance via MeSH
Medline Plus Health Information
*High Blood Pressure
Hazardous Substances DB
*MUSCIMOL
Related Collections
Right arrow Hypertension - basic studies
Right arrow Autonomic, reflex, and neurohumoral control of circulation

(Hypertension. 2002;39:275.)
© 2002 American Heart Association, Inc.


Scientific Contributions

Inhibition of the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Dramatically Reduces Sympathetic Vasomotor Tone

Andrew M. Allen

From The Howard Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Correspondence to Andrew M. Allen, The Howard Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. E-mail a.allen{at}hfi.unimelb.edu.au

Experimental evidence indicates that the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus modulates sympathetic vasomotor tone and blood pressure and that this modulation is altered in some cardiovascular diseases. This study tested the hypothesis that this nucleus exerts a more significant tonic excitatory modulation of basal sympathetic vasomotor activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In anesthetized, artificially-ventilated rats, bilateral microinjections of the GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol (1 to 1.5 nmoles per side), into the paraventricular nucleus produced a depressor and sympathoinhibitory response that did not recover. When compared with normotensive rats, this response was more marked in spontaneously hypertensive rats, where lumbar sympathetic nerve discharge was reduced by 75±3% and mean arterial pressure fell from 119±7 mm Hg to 58±3 mm Hg. Blockade of excitatory and inhibitory amino acid receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla significantly attenuated this response. Microinjections of small volumes (<20 nL) of GABA were used to localize precisely the responsive region of the paraventricular nucleus. Unilateral injections of GABA into the dorsomedial cap of the paraventricular nucleus induced a brisk depressor (decrease of 42±4 mm Hg), sympathoinhibitory (decrease by 72±2%), and bradycardic (decrease of 77±16 bpm) response. The mechanisms underlying the sympathoinhibition after inactivation of the paraventricular nucleus are not elucidated, but evidence discussed suggests the involvement of a supracollicular sympathoinhibitory pathway. The results presented demonstrate that the paraventricular nucleus exerts a powerful, tonic effect on the control of sympathetic vasomotor tone under basal conditions in anesthetized rats and that this is enhanced in spontaneously hypertensive rats.


Key Words: hypothalamus • blood pressure • sympathetic nervous system




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
FASEB J.Home page
H. Li, Y. Gao, Y. Qi, M. J. Katovich, N. Jiang, L. N. Braseth, D. A. Scheuer, P. Shi, and C. Sumners
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons decreases blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
FASEB J, September 1, 2008; 22(9): 3175 - 3185.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
D.-P. Li, Q. Yang, H.-M. Pan, and H.-L. Pan
Plasticity of pre- and postsynaptic GABAB receptor function in the paraventricular nucleus in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 1, 2008; 295(2): H807 - H815.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
P. M. Sonner, J. A. Filosa, and J. E. Stern
Diminished A-type potassium current and altered firing properties in presympathetic PVN neurones in renovascular hypertensive rats
J. Physiol., March 15, 2008; 586(6): 1605 - 1622.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
D.-P. Li, Q. Yang, H.-M. Pan, and H.-L. Pan
Pre- and postsynaptic plasticity underlying augmented glutamatergic inputs to hypothalamic presympathetic neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats
J. Physiol., March 15, 2008; 586(6): 1637 - 1647.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
P. M. Sonner and J. E. Stern
Functional role of A-type potassium currents in rat presympathetic PVN neurones
J. Physiol., August 1, 2007; 582(3): 1219 - 1238.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
J. B. Park, S. Skalska, S. Son, and J. E. Stern
Dual GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition in rat presympathetic paraventricular nucleus neurons
J. Physiol., July 15, 2007; 582(2): 539 - 551.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
Q. Chen and H.-L. Pan
Signaling Mechanisms of Angiotensin II-Induced Attenuation of GABAergic Input to Hypothalamic Presympathetic Neurons
J Neurophysiol, May 1, 2007; 97(5): 3279 - 3287.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
K. T. Higa-Taniguchi, F. C. P. Silva, H. M. V. Silva, L. C. Michelini, and J. E. Stern
Exercise training-induced remodeling of paraventricular nucleus (nor)adrenergic innervation in normotensive and hypertensive rats
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, April 1, 2007; 292(4): R1717 - R1727.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
D.-P. Li and H.-L. Pan
Glutamatergic Inputs in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Maintain Sympathetic Vasomotor Tone in Hypertension
Hypertension, April 1, 2007; 49(4): 916 - 925.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.Home page
D.-P. Li and H.-L. Pan
Role of {gamma}-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)A and GABAB Receptors in Paraventricular Nucleus in Control of Sympathetic Vasomotor Tone in Hypertension
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., February 1, 2007; 320(2): 615 - 626.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Exp PhysiolHome page
J. H. Coote
Landmarks in understanding the central nervous control of the cardiovascular system
Exp Physiol, January 1, 2007; 92(1): 3 - 18.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
C. Huang, M. Yoshimoto, K. Miki, and E. J. Johns
The contribution of brain angiotensin II to the baroreflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious normotensive and hypertensive rats
J. Physiol., July 15, 2006; 574(2): 597 - 604.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
D.-P. Li and H.-L. Pan
Plasticity of GABAergic control of hypothalamic presympathetic neurons in hypertension
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, March 1, 2006; 290(3): H1110 - H1119.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.Home page
Q. Chen, D.-P. Li, and H.-L. Pan
Presynaptic {alpha}1 Adrenergic Receptors Differentially Regulate Synaptic Glutamate and GABA Release to Hypothalamic Presympathetic Neurons
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., February 1, 2006; 316(2): 733 - 742.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
Y. Chen, H. Chen, A. Hoffmann, D. R. Cool, D. I. Diz, M. C. Chappell, A. Chen, and M. Morris
Adenovirus-Mediated Small-Interference RNA for In Vivo Silencing of Angiotensin AT1a Receptors in Mouse Brain
Hypertension, February 1, 2006; 47(2): 230 - 237.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
K. Jackson, H. M. V. Silva, W. Zhang, L. C. Michelini, and J. E. Stern
Exercise Training Differentially Affects Intrinsic Excitability of Autonomic and Neuroendocrine Neurons in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus
J Neurophysiol, November 1, 2005; 94(5): 3211 - 3220.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
M. K. Reddy, K. P. Patel, and H. D. Schultz
Differential role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in modulating the sympathoexcitatory component of peripheral and central chemoreflexes
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, September 1, 2005; 289(3): R789 - R797.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
A. Q. Gomes da Silva, R. A. Sousa dos Santos, and M. A. Peliky Fontes
Blockade of Endogenous Angiotensin-(1-7) in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Reduces Renal Sympathetic Tone
Hypertension, August 1, 2005; 46(2): 341 - 348.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.Home page
D.-P. Li and H.-L. Pan
Angiotensin II Attenuates Synaptic GABA Release and Excites Paraventricular-Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Output Neurons
J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., June 1, 2005; 313(3): 1035 - 1045.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
S. D Stocker, K. J Hunwick, and G. M Toney
Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus differentially supports lumbar and renal sympathetic outflow in water-deprived rats
J. Physiol., February 15, 2005; 563(1): 249 - 263.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
M. R. Zahner and H.-L. Pan
Role of paraventricular nucleus in the cardiogenic sympathetic reflex in rats
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, February 1, 2005; 288(2): R420 - R426.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
D.-P. Li, L. M. Atnip, S.-R. Chen, and H.-L. Pan
Regulation of Synaptic Inputs to Paraventricular-Spinal Output Neurons by {alpha}2 Adrenergic Receptors
J Neurophysiol, January 1, 2005; 93(1): 393 - 402.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NeuroscientistHome page
H.-L. Pan
Brain Angiotensin II and Synaptic Transmission
Neuroscientist, October 1, 2004; 10(5): 422 - 431.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurophysiol.Home page
D.-P. Li, S.-R. Chen, and H.-L. Pan
VR1 Receptor Activation Induces Glutamate Release and Postsynaptic Firing in the Paraventricular Nucleus
J Neurophysiol, September 1, 2004; 92(3): 1807 - 1816.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
S. D. Stocker, K. J. Keith, and G. M. Toney
Acute inhibition of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus decreases renal sympathetic nerve activity and arterial blood pressure in water-deprived rats
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, April 1, 2004; 286(4): R719 - R725.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Physiol.Home page
D.-P. Li, S.-R. Chen, T. F. Finnegan, and H.-L. Pan
Signalling pathway of nitric oxide in synaptic GABA release in the rat paraventricular nucleus
J. Physiol., January 1, 2004; 554(1): 100 - 110.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
Q. H. Chen and G. M. Toney
Responses to GABA-A receptor blockade in the hypothalamic PVN are attenuated by local AT1 receptor antagonism
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, November 1, 2003; 285(5): R1231 - R1239.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
Q. H. Chen, J. R. Haywood, and G. M. Toney
Sympathoexcitation by PVN-Injected Bicuculline Requires Activation of Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors
Hypertension, October 1, 2003; 42(4): 725 - 731.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurosci.Home page
D.-P. Li, S.-R. Chen, and H.-L. Pan
Angiotensin II Stimulates Spinally Projecting Paraventricular Neurons through Presynaptic Disinhibition
J. Neurosci., June 15, 2003; 23(12): 5041 - 5049.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
S. Ito, M. Hiratsuka, K. Komatsu, K. Tsukamoto, K. Kanmatsuse, and A. F. Sved
Ventrolateral Medulla AT1 Receptors Support Arterial Pressure in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Hypertension, March 1, 2003; 41(3): 744 - 750.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]