Hypertension is commonly linked to the heart and blood vessels, but a new research suggests that brain may have a much larger role in controlling the blood pressure than was previously thought. Scientists have identified a region in brainstem called lateral parafacial region may contribute to blood pressure regulation.
The lateral parafacial region controls essential autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate and digestion. It gets activated during forced exhalation, such as those occurring when laughing, coughing or exercising.
It has been found that the same area also communicates with nerves responsible for constricting blood vessels. When these nerves constrict the blood vessels, blood pressure rises. In experimental models of hypertension, the lateral parafacial region showed increased activity during high blood pressure. When the region was inactivated, blood pressure returned to normal levels.
These findings suggest that certain breathing patterns, particularly those involving strong abdominal muscle contractions, may contribute to elevated blood pressure. Identifying such breathing patterns in patients with hypertension may help physicians better understand the etiology of the condition.
Targeting this region with medication is challenging because most drugs affect the entire brain rather than a specific region. Another important discovery made during the study was that the signals that activate the brain also come from carotid bodies. They are present near the carotid artery in the neck and can detect oxygen levels. These can be targeted with the medication safely.
The goal is to explore drugs that could reduce carotid body activity, indirectly calming the brainstem region involved in blood pressure regulation. These findings can open new treatment approaches for hypertension, especially in patients with sleep apnea, where breathing interruptions can activate carotid body sensors and contribute to hypertension.
Studies like this remind us that the journey to fully understand the human body is far from complete.
MBH/PS