Abstract EN:

The central regulation of arterial pressure (AP) involves activation of angiotensin II receptors type 1 (AT1R) in specific brain area of the hypothalamus and brainstem. The thesis studies involve modulation of brain AT1R using genetic and hypertensive mice combined with a telemetry system to record AP. The mouse model expressing a gain of function of the AT1R subtype A (AT1AMUT) showed high AP and reduced cardiac baroreflex sensitivity, but a normal circadian cardiovascular rhythm. The role of AT1R in the AP level of the genetic hypertensive mouse (BPH/2J) was examined and found to be similar to normotensive mice. However, in BPH/2J mice AT1R are important for the cardiac baroreflex and pressor responses to stress. These findings led to a targeted analyse of this receptor in the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) which is known for its role in baroreflex control. In the mice lacking the gene coding the AT1R, the expression of its subtype A, obtained by viral transgenesis in the CVLM, reduced the pressor response to an emotional stress and reduced the baroreflex sensitivity during the day period. These findings indicate the importance of the brain renin angiotensin system through activation of AT1R which modulates the sympathetic contribution to blood pressure control at a number of levels within the central nervous system. Of particular importance is the modulation of baroreflex control and the sympatho-inhibitory actions during emotional stress both of which occur within the ventral medulla