Chronic intermittent hypoxia augments chemoreflex control of sympathetic activity: Role of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor

Noah J. Marcus, Yu Long Li, Cynthia E. Bird, Harold D. Schultz, Barbara J. Morgan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

128 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia (CIH) increases carotid sinus nerve activity in normoxia and in response to acute hypoxia. We hypothesized that CIH augments basal and chemoreflex-stimulated sympathetic outflow through an angiotensin receptor-dependent mechanism. Rats were exposed to CIH for 28 days: a subset was treated with losartan. Then, lumbar sympathetic activity was recorded under anesthesia during 20-s apneas, isocapnic hypoxia, and potassium cyanide. We measured carotid body superoxide production and expression of angiotensin II type-1 receptor, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and NADPH oxidase. Sympathetic activity was higher in CIH vs. control rats at baseline, during apneas and isocapnic hypoxia, but not cyanide. Carotid body superoxide production and expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase were elevated in CIH rats, whereas expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase was reduced. None of these differences were evident in animals treated with losartan. CIH-induced augmentation of chemoreflex sensitivity occurs, at least in part, via the renin-angiotensin system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)36-45
Number of pages10
JournalRespiratory Physiology and Neurobiology
Volume171
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2010

Keywords

  • Angiotensin II
  • Angiotensin antagonist
  • Chemoreceptors
  • Oxidative stress
  • Superoxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Chronic intermittent hypoxia augments chemoreflex control of sympathetic activity: Role of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this