The adrenergic nervous system and hypertension state of the art

This discussion concerns an overview of our considerations of the adrenergic nervous system with respect to those areas of the nervous system that provide direct sensory input to the brain in control of arterial pressure; those brain centers that also participate in regulating arterial pressure; certain neurohumoral considerations; peripheral neuronal-humoral interactions; and adrenal medullary and catecholamine biosynthesis and metabolism. Also considered is the role of behavior as it may impinge upon the regulation and maintenance of an elevated arterial pressure and, finally, a variety of interactions with other pressor mechanisms that may alter adrenergic function, including hemodynamics and certain endogenously released hormones. It is from further understanding of such adrenergic mechanisms that undoubtedly greater mastery of our present gaps in knowledge will result which will substantiate how adrenergic mechanisms participate in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of hypertension.