BDNF shifts excitatory-inhibitory balance in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to elevate blood pressure

Abstract

Presympathetic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) play a key role in cardiovascular regulation. We have previously shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acting in the PVN, increases sympathetic activity and blood pressure and serves as a key regulator of stress-induced hypertensive responses. BDNF is known to alter glutamatergic and GABA-ergic signaling broadly in the central nervous system, but whether BDNF has similar actions in the PVN remains to be investigated. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increased BDNF expression in the PVN elevates blood pressure by enhancing NMDA receptor (NMDAR)- and inhibiting GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated signaling. Sprague Dawley rats received bilateral PVN injections of AAV2 viral vectors expressing GFP or BDNF. Three weeks later, cardiovascular responses to PVN injections of NMDAR and GABAAR agonists and antagonists were recorded under α-chloralose-urethane anesthesia. Additionally, expressions of excitatory and inhibitory signaling components in the PVN were assessed using immunofluorescence. Our results showed that NMDAR inhibition led to a greater decrease in blood pressure in the BDNF vs GFP group, while GABAAR inhibition led to greater increases in blood pressure in the GFP group compared to BDNF. Conversely, GABAAR activation decreased blood pressure significantly more in GFP vs BDNF rats. In addition, immunoreactivity of NMDAR1 was upregulated, while GABAAR-a1 and K+/Cl- cotransporter 2 were downregulated by BDNF overexpression in the PVN. In summary, our findings indicate that hypertensive actions of BDNF within the PVN are mediated, at least in part, by augmented NMDAR and reduced GABAAR signaling.

1,5-anhydro-D-fructose induces anti-aging effects on aging-associated brain diseases by increasing 5’-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activity via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α/brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway

“…Both BP reduction and muscle mass preservation are expected to prolong survival. However, BDNF can increase BP [ 30 ]; the hypotensive effect of 1,5-AF in SHRSPs may thus be induced by another AMPK signaling pathway [ 4 ]. We also observed a change in muscle weight among SHRSPs.…”

Bilateral Paraventricular Nucleus Upregulation of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Decreases Blood Pressure by Regulation of the NLRP3 and Neurotransmitters in Salt-Induced Hypertensive Rats

“…In addition, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus exists in the presympathetic neurons and is a primitive action for modulating the downstream sympathetic nerve activity, which is tightly linked to blood pressure ( Thorsdottir et al, 2021 ). Numerous evidences demonstrated that salt diet elevated the noradrenaline (NE) level and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the PVN during the process of hypertension ( Wang et al, 2018 ; Yu et al, 2019 ).…”