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Brain glutathione and blood pressure control
E Murakami1, T Iwata, K Hiwada
12nd Department of Internal Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Onsen-gun, Japan.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) injected into the brain increases blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity, while its reduced form (GSH) decreases them, suggesting central nervous system regulation of cardiovascular function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The central nervous system (CNS) plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA).
- Glutathione, a key intracellular antioxidant, exists in oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) forms, with potential roles in neural signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) within the CNS in modulating BP and SNA in rats.
- To determine if GSSG and GSH exert central or peripheral effects on cardiovascular regulation.
Main Methods:
- Rats received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of varying doses of GSSG or GSH.
- BP and SNA were monitored following ICV administration.
- Cardiovascular responses to intravenous GSSG or GSH were assessed.
- Effects of posterior hypothalamus stimulation on brainstem GSSG levels were examined.
Main Results:
- ICV GSSG administration caused a dose-dependent increase in BP and SNA.
- ICV GSH administration induced a vasodepressor response and decreased SNA.
- Intravenous administration of GSSG or GSH had no significant cardiovascular effects.
- Posterior hypothalamus stimulation, causing hypertension, was associated with decreased brainstem GSSG.
Conclusions:
- GSSG acts within the CNS to stimulate sympathetic nerve activity and elevate BP.
- GSH acts within the CNS to inhibit sympathetic nerve activity and lower BP.
- These findings highlight the distinct, opposing roles of GSSG and GSH in centrally regulating the sympathetic nervous system and cardiovascular tone.