Summary:
One premise of our research program is that exploration of the neural circuits controlling the perception of stress may provide insight towards mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease, as well as interventions aimed at its reversal. This particular area of research tests the hypothesis that excitation of specific neuronal populations that express the angiotensin receptors alters the perception of stress to protect against affective disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Details:
Our completed and ongoing studies have revealed that the activity of neurons that express genes encoding particular angiotensin receptor subtypes is coupled to cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress. For example, we discovered that neurons expressing the angiotensin type-2 and Mas receptor densely populate cortical and limbic brain regions controlling the perception of psychological stress and that excitation of these neurons decreases blood pressure, heart rate, circulating levels of corticosterone and anxiety-like behavior. In the periphery, we discovered that the nodose ganglion is densely populated by neurons expressing the angiotensin type 1a receptor. These neurons function as primary baroreceptor afferents and excitation of these neurons lowers blood pressure, heart rate and energy expenditure. Collectively, we hypothesize that excitation of particular neuronal populations that express angiotensin receptors alters the perception of stress to protect against cardiovascular disease.
This project is supported the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (see: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/j-1EHMaxP02ijOl9gFQlpg/project-details/10978084).
