Microglia contribute to the autonomic function and participate in neurogenic hypertension: non-immune function of central immune cells

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Hypertension is also called silent killer, which attacks over 30% of adult population in the world. Studies have shown that immune activation is highly involved in the whole process of hypertension and is closely associated with end-organ damage. In addition to the immune system, the autonomic nervous system, especially the sympathetic nervous system, is one of the most conservative systems that maintain homeostasis in the body. The simulation in both immune and sympathetic nervous activity in the hypertensive suggests a synergistic role of these two systems in the progression of this disease. Microglia are the main immune cells in the central nervous system and are involved in the regulation of sympathetic tension. Previous studies have shown that the loss of microglia in mouse models alters the course of neuroinflammation and hypertension. This review summarizes the progress in the development and function of microglia in both homeostasis and disease. On this basis, the interaction between autonomic nervous system and peripheral immunity in hypertension was reviewed. Microglia bridge central and peripheral inflammation in hypertension by regulating sympathetic nerve activity, providing a new therapeutic perspective for hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases in the future.