NTS AT1a receptor on long-term arterial pressure regulation: putative mechanism

Abstract

This editorial refers to ‘Cardiovascular role of angiotensin type1A receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract of mice’ by B. Abegaz et al. , pp. 181–191, this issue. Studies over the last 50 years have demonstrated the major role of the central nervous system and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) acting together to control cardiovascular haemodynamic and blood fluid homoeostasis. It is well accepted that the combination of CNS and RAS is the major regulator of blood pressure in both normal and patho-physiological conditions. Considered one of the most important nuclei of the brain stem, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), located at the dorsal brainstem, is the first synaptic relay station in the CNS for cardiovascular and respiratory afferent fibres, among other afferents,1 and contributes in mediating the hypertension and sympathoexcitation observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats.1–3 Most of the classical actions of central Ang II are exerted via the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor,4 which activates …