Neural mechanisms of hypertension: from the view of the central nervous system

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is now recognized to be involved in the long-term blood pressure and contribute to development of hypertension. In particular, the central nervous system has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We found that the imbalance of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production occurred in the brainstem of hypertensive rats. By using a gene transfer technique and a radio-telemetry system, we found that the improvement of this imbalance led to the decrease in blood pressure and the sympathetic nerve activity in hypertensive rats. Activation of the AT1 receptors and NAD(P)H oxidase led to an increase in oxidative stress in the brainstem of hypertensive rats. Orally administered AT1 receptor blockers and some other cardiovascular drugs also improved this imbalance. This mechanism will be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.