Paper of the Month: Dr. Annette de Kloet

Dr. Annette de Kloet.

An Angiotensin-responsive Connection from the Lamina Terminalis to the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Evokes Vasopressin Secretion to Increase Blood Pressure in Mice

Hypertension is a widespread health problem and risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although treatments exist, a substantial percentage of patients suffer from ‘drug-resistant’ hypertension; a condition associated with increased activation of brain angiotensin receptors,70 enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity, and elevated vasopressin levels. The present study highlights a role for angiotensin type-1a receptor expressing neurons located within the lamina terminalis in regulating endocrine and behavioral responses that are involved in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. More specifically, data presented here reveal functional excitatory connections between angiotensin-sensitive neurons in the lamina terminals and vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and further indicate that activation of this circuit raises blood pressure. These neurons may be a promising target for antihypertensive therapeutics.