Abstract
Atrial (ANP) and C-type (CNP) natriuretic peptides have been found in brain regions associated with fluid homeostasis and blood pressure. Since chronic moderate ethanol consumption has been shown to prevent the age-dependent increase in blood pressure in experimental animals, the objective of the present studies was to investigate the effect of ethanol (20% (v/v) for 8 months) on the total content and concentration of ANP and CNP in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Ethanol increased the content and concentration of both ANP and CNP in the hypothalamus, pons and medulla of SHR rats. In contrast, in the WKY rats ethanol had no effect on the levels of ANP in any of the brain regions studied, but enhanced the concentration of CNP in the hypothalamus and medulla. Thus, ethanol induced changes in the content of natriuretic peptides in distinct brain regions associated with control of cardiovascular activity. Such changes may be partially responsible for the effect of chronic moderate ethanol consumption on blood pressure.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.