Abstract P191: Increases in Cerebrospinal Fluid NaCl Concentration Excites Neurons of the Organum Vasculosum of the Lamina Terminalis to Elevate Sympathetic Outflow and Blood Pressure

Hypertension ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah S Simmonds ◽  
Haly L Nation ◽  
Sean D Stocker

Accumulating evidence suggests salt-sensitive hypertension is mediated partly by an increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NaCl concentration and elevation in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Increased NaCl concentration or osmolality is sensed by specialized neurons in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). The present study investigated the contribution of these neurons to the SNA and arterial blood pressure (ABP) responses during acute increases in CSF NaCl concentrations. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with Inactin (120mg/kg, IV) and prepared for SNA and ABP recordings. Lateral ventricle infusion of 1M NaCl (5uL over 10 min) increased CSF [Na+] by 5±1 mM and elevated mean ABP (9±1 mmHg), lumbar SNA (125±3%) and adrenal SNA (121±5%) but decreased renal SNA (-9±1%, n=8) and did not alter splanchnic SNA (102±3%). Inhibition of the OVLT with injection of the GABAA agonist muscimol (2.5mM per 20nL, n=5) significantly attenuated the NaCl-induced increase in ABP (2±1 mmHg), lumbar SNA (102±1%), adrenal SNA (103±2%) and decrease in renal SNA (-3±1%). In vivo single-unit recordings demonstrate that lateral ventricular infusion of 1M NaCl (5uL per 10 min) significantly increased the firing rate in 75% (3/4) of OVLT neurons from 1.2±0.4Hz to 5.1±1.2Hz (P<0.05). Furthermore, direct injection of NaCl (100nL over 20s, n=3) into the OVLT produced dose-dependent increases in mean ABP (0.15M: 0±1mmHg; 0.5M: 2±1mmHg; 1.0M: 4±1mmHg; 2.0M: 7±1mmHg) and lumbar SNA (0.15M: 101±2%; 0.5M: 107±1%; 1.0M: 112±3%; 2.0M: 118±4%). Altogether, these findings suggest that increases in CSF NaCl concentrations excite OVLT neurons to elevate lumbar and adrenal SNA and ABP.

Hypertension ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean D Stocker

Excess dietary salt intake raises plasma and cerebrospinal fluid NaCl concentrations to elevate sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial blood pressure (ABP). Changes in extracellular NaCl concentrations are sensed by neurons in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) - a circumventricular organ that lacks a complete blood-brain barrier. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that salt-sensitive hypertension was mediated, in part, by an elevated activity of OVLT neurons. Dahl-Salt-Sensitive or Sprague-Dawley rats (8-10 weeks) were fed 0.5% or 4.0% NaCl diets for 3-4 weeks. First, in vivo single-unit recordings demonstrate the discharge of OVLT neurons in Dahl-Salt-Sensitive rats was higher after a 4.0% versus 0.5% NaCl diet (4.1±0.4 Hz vs 1.9±0.3 Hz, n=6 per group, P<0.05). OVLT neuronal discharge of Sprague-Dawley rats was not different after a 4.0% or 0.5% NaCl diet (2.1±0.4 Hz vs 1.7±0.3 Hz, n=6-9 per group, P>0.5). In a second set of experiments, injection of hypertonic NaCl (1.0M NaCl, 20nL) into the OVLT produced significantly greater increases in lumbar SNA (131±6% vs 116±3%, n=4 per group, P<0.05) and mean ABP (14±2 vs 8±2 mmHg, n=4 per group, P<0.05) of Dahl-Salt-Sensitive rats fed 4.0% versus 0.5% NaCl respectively. Sprague-Dawley rats fed 4.0% versus 0.5% NaCl exhibited responses of smaller magnitude for both lumbar SNA (115±4 vs 108±3%, n=4 per group, P<0.05) and mean ABP (9±2 vs 6±2 mmHg, n=4 per group, P<0.05). Interestingly, the duration of the response was much longer in Dahl-Salt-Sensitive versus Sprague-Dawley rats (data not shown). Finally, inhibition of neuronal activity by injection of the GABA agonist muscimol (5mM, 20nL) into the OVLT produced a significantly greater fall in lumbar SNA (-25±4% vs -11±3%, n=4 per group, P<0.05) and mean ABP (-19±4 vs -6±2 mmHg, n=4 per group, P<0.05) of Dahl-Salt-Sensitive rats fed 4.0% versus 0.5% NaCl, respectively. Injection of muscimol into the OVLT of Sprague-Dawley rats did not significantly affect SNA or mean ABP. Collectively, these findings suggest a high salt diet increases the activity of OVLT neurons to elevate SNA and ABP in salt-sensitive hypertension.


Hypertension ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsteen N Browning ◽  
Sean D Stocker

Neurons of the Organum Vasculosum of the Lamina Terminalis (OVLT) play a pivotal role in body fluid homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. Lesion of OVLT neurons severely disrupts drinking, antidiuretic hormone secretion, and sympathetic-cardiovascular responses to acute sodium loads. Importantly, OVLT lesions also lower blood pressure in several models of salt-sensitive hypertension. Similarly, intracerebroventricular administration of the non-voltage dependent channel blocker benzamil attenuates sympathetic-cardiovascular responses to acute sodium loads and salt-sensitive hypertension. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was two-fold: 1) to establish OVLT neurons are sensitive to physiological changes in osmolality, and 2) to identify whether benzamil-sensitive channels mediate the osmosensitivity of OVLT neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in OVLT neuronal slices of male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-350g). 71% (17/24) of OVLT neurons responded to increased bath osmolality by addition of mannitol (5-20 mOsm/L). There were no differences in basic electrophysiological properties (ie, input resistance, membrane capacitance, etc) between responsive and non-responsive neurons. Increases in bath osmoality produced dose-dependent decreases in membrane potential (5 mOsm: 5.0±0.63 mV, 10 mOsm: 6.1±1.24 mV, 15 mOsm: 12.4±2.1; n=5, P<0.05) and increases in firing rates (5 mOsm: 208±32%, 10 mOsm: 246±55%, 15 mOsm: 274±101%, 20 mOsm: 496±53%; n=5, P<0.05). Bath application of benzamil (0.5 uM) significantly attenuated the membrane depolarization (0.2±0.7 vs 5.3±0.4 mV) and increased firing rate (98±6% vs 219±20%) during a 10mOsm/L increase in bath osmolality. These findings suggest OVLT neurons are sensitive to physiological changes in osmolality, and the intrinsic sensitivity of OVLT neurons are mediated by benzamil-sensitive channels.


Hypertension ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean D Stocker

Compelling evidence indicates increased cererbrospinal fluid (CSF) sodium elevates sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) in salt-sensitive hypertension. RVLM neurons project to the spinal cord and regulate SNA and ABP under a number of physiological challenges and pathophysiological states. Therefore, we hypothesized that RVLM neurons mediate the sympathoexcitatory response to increased CSF sodium. Inactin-anesthetized, male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=5/group) were prepared for sympathetic nerve recordings and a lateral ventricle brain cannula. Infusion of 1M NaCl (5 μL/10 min) to increase CSF sodium concentrations by 5mM produced a significant (P’s<0.05, n=6) increase in lumbar SNA (Δ: 115±3%), adrenal SNA (Δ: 122±3%), and mean arterial blood pressure (Δ: 8±1 mmHg). The infusion did not affect splanchnic SNA (Δ: 102±4%) but decreased renal SNA (Δ: 91±2%). Inhibition of the RVLM with bilateral injection of the GABA agonist muscimol (2.5mM per 50 nL per side) significantly (P’s<0.05; n=5) attenuated the increased lumbar SNA (Δ:101±2%), adrenal SNA (Δ:105±2%), and mean arterial blood pressure (Δ: 1±1mmHg, P’s<0.05; n=6). Blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the RVLM with bilateral injection of kynurenic acid (30mM per 50 nL per side) also significantly (P’s<0.05; n=5) attenuated the increase in lumbar SNA (Δ: 101±3%), adrenal SNA (Δ: 110±3%) and mean ABP (Δ: 1±2 mmHg) to lateral ventricle infusion of 1M NaCl (5uL/10 min). In a final set of experiments, in vivo single-unit recordings demonstrate that ventricular infusion of 1M NaCl (5uL per 10 min) increased discharge in 60% (6/10) of spinally-projecting, barosensitive RVLM neurons (2.1±0.4 to 5.8±0.2 Hz, P<0.05). Infusion of artificial CSF did not affect any variable. These findings suggest increased CSF sodium activates a glutamatergic pathway to RVLM neurons to elevate SNA and ABP.


Author(s):  
Sean D. Stocker ◽  
Megan M. Wenner ◽  
William B. Farquhar ◽  
Kirsteen N. Browning

Neurons in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) sense extracellular NaCl and angiotensin II concentrations to regulate body fluid homeostasis and arterial blood pressure. Lesion of the anteroventral third ventricular region or OVLT attenuates multiple forms of neurogenic hypertension. However, the extent by which OVLT neurons directly regulate sympathetic nerve activity to produce hypertension is not known. Therefore, the present study tested this hypothesis by using a multi-faceted approach including optogenetics, single-unit and multifiber nerve recordings, and chemogenetics. First, optogenetic activation of OVLT neurons in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats (250–400 g) produced frequency-dependent increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. These responses were not altered by the vasopressin receptor antagonist (β-mercapto-β,β-cyclopentamethylenepropionyl1,O-me-Tyr2,Arg8)–vasopressin but eliminated by the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine. Second, optogenetic activation of OVLT neurons significantly elevated renal, splanchnic, and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity. Third, single-unit recordings revealed optogenetic activation of the OVLT significantly increased the discharge of bulbospinal, sympathetic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Lastly, chronic chemogenetic activation of OVLT neurons for 7 days significantly increased 24-hour fluid intake and mean arterial blood pressure. When the 24-hour fluid intake was clamped at baseline intakes, chemogenetic activation of OVLT neurons still produced a similar increase in arterial blood pressure. Neurogenic pressor activity assessed by the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine was greater at 7 days of OVLT activation versus baseline. Collectively, these findings indicate that acute or chronic activation of OVLT neurons produces a sympathetically mediated hypertension.


2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (6) ◽  
pp. R1564-R1571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre A. Vieira ◽  
David B. Nahey ◽  
John P. Collister

Endogenous and exogenous circulating ANG II acts at one of the central circumventricular organs (CVOs), the subfornical organ (SFO), to modulate chronic blood pressure regulation. However, at the forebrain, another important CVO is the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the OVLT mediates the hypertension or the hypotension produced by chronic infusion of ANG II or losartan (AT1 antagonist), respectively. Six days after sham or OVLT electrolytic lesion, male Sprague-Dawley rats (280–320 g, n = 6 per group) were instrumented with intravenous catheters and radiotelemetric blood pressure transducers. Following another week of recovery, rats were given 3 days of saline control infusion (7 ml/day) and were then infused with ANG II (10 ng·kg−1·min−1) or losartan (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 10 days, followed by 3 recovery days. Twenty-four hour average measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were made during this protocol. Hydromineral balance (HB) responses were measured during the experimental protocol. By day 9 of ANG II treatment, MAP had increased 16 ± 4 mmHg in sham rats but only 4 ± 1 mmHg in OVLT lesioned rats without changes in HR or HB. However, the hypotension produced by 10 days of losartan infusion was not modified in OVLT lesioned rats. These results suggest that the OVLT might play an important role during elevation of plasma ANG II, facilitating increases of blood pressure but is not involved with baseline effects of endogenous ANG II.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1253-1261
Author(s):  
Mourad Akdad ◽  
Mohamed Eddouks

Aims: The present study was performed in order to analyze the antihypertensive activity of Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. Background: Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This herb is used to treat various pathologies such as cardiovascular disorders. Meanwhile, its pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system have not been studied. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Micromeria graeca (AEMG) on the cardiovascular system in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Methods: In this study, the cardiovascular effect of AEMG was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro investigations. In order to assess the acute effect of AEMG on the cardiovascular system, anesthetized L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received AEMG (100 mg/kg) orally and arterial blood pressure parameters were monitored during six hours. In the sub-chronic study, rats were orally treated for one week, followed by blood pressure assessment during one week of treatment. Blood pressure was measured using a tail-cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. In the second experiment, isolated rat aortic ring pre-contracted with Epinephrine (EP) or KCl was used to assess the vasorelaxant effect of AEMG. Results: Oral administration of AEMG (100 mg/kg) provoked a decrease of arterial blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats. In addition, AEMG induced a vasorelaxant effect in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted with EP (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM). This effect was attenuated in the presence of propranolol and methylene blue. While in the presence of glibenclamide, L-NAME, nifedipine or Indomethacin, the vasorelaxant effect was not affected. Conclusion: This study showed that Micromeria graeca possesses a potent antihypertensive effect and relaxes the vascular smooth muscle through β-adrenergic and cGMP pathways.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Ajebli ◽  
Mohamed Eddouks

Aims and objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of aqueous aerial part extract of Mentha pulegium L. (Pennyrile) (MPAE) on arterial pressure parameters in rats. Background: Mentha pulegium is a medicinal plant used to treat hypertension in Morocco. Material and methods: In the current study, MPAE was prepared and its antihypertensive activity was pharmacologically investigated. L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats have received orally MPAE (180 and 300 mg/kg) during six hours for the acute experiment and during seven days for the sub-chronic treatment. Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated. While, in the in vitro experiment, isolated denuded and intact thoracic aortic rings were suspended in a tissue bath system and the tension changes were recorded. Results: A fall in blood pressure was observed in L-NAME-induced hypertensive treated with MPAE. The extract also produced a dose-dependent relaxation of aorta pre-contracted with NE and KCl. The study showed that the vasorelaxant ability of MPAE seems to be exerted through the blockage of extracellular Ca2+ entry. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the extract of pennyrile exhibits antihypertensive activity. In addition, the effect may be, at least in part, due to dilation of blood vessels via blockage of Ca2+ channels.


2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (5) ◽  
pp. R1546-R1554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Li ◽  
Xiaoling Dai ◽  
Stephanie Watts ◽  
David Kreulen ◽  
Gregory Fink

Endothelin (ET) type B receptors (ETBR) are expressed in multiple tissues and perform different functions depending on their location. ETBR mediate endothelium-dependent vasodilation, clearance of circulating ET, and diuretic effects; all of these should produce a fall in arterial blood pressure. However, we recently showed that chronic activation of ETBR in rats with the selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) causes sustained hypertension. We have proposed that one mechanism of this effect is constriction of capacitance vessels. The current study was performed to determine whether S6c hypertension is caused by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or activation of the sympathetic nervous system. The model used was continuous 5-day infusion of S6c into male Sprague-Dawley rats. No changes in superoxide anion levels in arteries and veins were found in hypertensive S6c-treated rats. However, superoxide levels were increased in sympathetic ganglia from S6c-treated rats. In addition, superoxide levels in ganglia increased progressively the longer the animals received S6c. Treatment with the antioxidant tempol impaired S6c-induced hypertension and decreased superoxide levels in ganglia. Acute ganglion blockade lowered blood pressure more in S6c-treated rats than in vehicle-treated rats. Although plasma norepinephrine levels were not increased in S6c hypertension, surgical ablation of the celiac ganglion plexus, which provides most of the sympathetic innervation to the splanchnic organs, significantly attenuated hypertension development. The results suggest that S6c-induced hypertension is partially mediated by sympathoexcitation to the splanchnic organs driven by increased oxidative stress in prevertebral sympathetic ganglia.


Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudius Balzer ◽  
Franz J Baudenbacher ◽  
Susan S Eagle ◽  
Michele M Salzman ◽  
William J Cleveland ◽  
...  

Introduction: Experimental models of hemorrhagic shock (HS) in rats are important to test new treatments that may improve outcomes in humans, and general anesthesia is required during these experiments. The volatile anesthetic Isoflurane is known for its beneficial effects in rat HS models. Focusing on cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms, we wanted to evaluate Isoflurane versus the injectable anesthetic Pentobarbital in our rat model of mild HS (class 2). We hypothesize that Isoflurane during development of HS improves hemodynamics compared to Pentobarbital. Methods: Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were initially anesthetized with an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Pentobarbital (45 mg/kg) and intubated (1 L/min, FiO 2 0.25); heart rate (HR) was monitored by subcutaneous ECG needles. Femoral artery and vein were cannulated for continuous blood pressure measurement and delivery of fluids, respectively. In one group (n=7), anesthesia was continued with repeated IP injections of Pentobarbital (dose mg/kg), the other group (n=5) received continuous Isoflurane (1%). After 30 min of stabilization and administration of Heparin (100 IU/kg), HS was induced by removal of 1 ml of blood over 1 min via the femoral vein, repeated every 3 min until a volume of 5 ml of blood was removed. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and HR were recorded and analyzed in LabChart. Results: During baseline, rats showed no significant differences in HR and MAP between both groups. After 5 ml of hemorrhage, both groups showed significant changes compared to baseline, with significantly higher MAP and HR in rats given only Pentobarbital. Conclusions: In our rat model of HS, Isoflurane dampens the physiologic response to compensate for mild hemorrhage. The cardiovascular response of rats in the Isoflurane group was a decrease of HR and MAP to every ml of hemorrhage, while rats given only Pentobarbital were able to maintain their MAP by raising their HR until decompensation.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document