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Quantifying Acute Changes in Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Response to Central Nervous System Manipulations in Anesthetized Rats
Published on: September 11, 2018
Sympathetic overactivity in uremia.
Andrzej Ksiazek1, Wojciech Załuska
1Department of Nephrology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. wtzaluska2@poczta.onet.pl
Summary
Patients with chronic kidney disease often have overactive sympathetic nervous system (SNA) due to kidney dysfunction. This overactivity contributes to high blood pressure and heart problems, impacting survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to sustained sympathetic nervous system (SNA) overactivity.
- This overactivity stems from neurohormonal changes in the failing kidney, potentially involving angiotensin II and asymmetrical dimethylarginine.
- SNA overactivity is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular complications, and mortality risk in patients with conditions like heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms and implications of sympathetic nervous system overactivity in chronic kidney disease.
- To review methods for assessing sympathetic nervous system activity.
- To understand the contribution of SNA to hypertension in renal failure.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of SNA through plasma norepinephrine spillover rates.
- Microneurography (MSNA) to measure sympathetic muscle nerve activity.
- Power spectral analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability.
Main Results:
- Increased SNA, measured by MSNA, is observed in various forms of human hypertension.
- The pathogenesis of hypertension in renal failure is multifactorial, involving hemodynamic and neuroendocrine factors.
- The impact of erythropoietin treatment on SNA and baroreceptor activity remains undetermined.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic nervous system overactivity is a significant feature in chronic kidney disease patients.
- SNA plays a crucial role in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular risks associated with CKD.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of treatments like erythropoietin on SNA in CKD.
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