A recent study has revealed evidence suggesting that a specific brain region may contribute to certain cases of high blood pressure. According to the study conducted by a team from the University of São Paulo in Brazil and the University of Auckland in New Zealand, the lateral brain area adjacent to the face (pFL) is capable of inducing biological changes that raise blood pressure.
This area is linked to the control of breathing, specifically the strong and deliberate exhalation that occurs during exercise, coughing, or laughing. In experiments conducted on mice, researchers found that it also performs another function: constricting blood vessels.
Details of the Research Findings
The researchers state that this combination of respiratory control and vascular signaling may be a reason for high blood pressure in some cases. This could explain why many people (approximately 40% according to some estimates) suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure despite taking antihypertensive medications.
The study indicates that neurons in the (pFL) area may link changes in breathing rhythm—which may not necessarily be noticeable—to increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate blood pressure. This aligns with previous research that has connected high blood pressure to the brain and the nervous system, as reported by Science Alert.
Background & Context
The researchers wrote in their paper published in the Journal of Circulation Research: "Considering that about 50% of hypertension patients have a neural component, the challenge lies in understanding the mechanisms that generate sympathetic nervous system activation in cases of high blood pressure." They add: "This discovery will provide clinically significant guidance for developing new therapeutic strategies."
In their experiments on mice, the researchers used genetic engineering techniques to activate or inhibit neurons in the (pFL) area and then monitored the effects. They observed the neural activity associated with breathing, sympathetic nervous activity, and blood pressure. Activating the (pFL) neurons in some mice led to the stimulation of other brain circuits, resulting in increased blood pressure in the animals.
Impact & Consequences
The researchers were then able to map detailed activity in the brainstem and nerves, revealing a potential new therapeutic pathway. These findings contribute to explaining why individuals with sleep apnea, which involves difficulty breathing at night, are at a higher risk for developing high blood pressure.
The report noted that since approximately one-third of the world's population suffers from high blood pressure, many of whom cannot access necessary medications, the need for new treatment options is urgent. High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of various heart diseases and has been linked to several other conditions, such as dementia.
Regional Significance
These findings are particularly important for the Arab region, where many countries experience high rates of blood pressure. These discoveries could contribute to developing new strategies to combat this disease, enhancing community health and reducing health and economic burdens.
In conclusion, this study opens new horizons for understanding the relationship between the brain and blood pressure, which may contribute to improving available treatments for patients.