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. 2011 Dec 15;35(2):132–141. doi: 10.1038/hr.2011.208

Importance of rostral ventrolateral medulla neurons in determining efferent sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure

Hiroo Kumagai 1,*, Naoki Oshima 1, Tomokazu Matsuura 2, Kamon Iigaya 2, Masaki Imai 2, Hiroshi Onimaru 3, Katsufumi Sakata 2, Motohisa Osaka 4, Toshiko Onami 2, Chie Takimoto 2, Tadashi Kamayachi 2, Hiroshi Itoh 2, Takao Saruta 2
PMCID: PMC3273996  PMID: 22170390

Abstract

Accentuated sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) is a risk factor for cardiovascular events. In this review, we investigate our working hypothesis that potentiated activity of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is the primary cause of experimental and essential hypertension. Over the past decade, we have examined how RVLM neurons regulate peripheral SNA, how the sympathetic and renin-angiotensin systems are correlated and how the sympathetic system can be suppressed to prevent cardiovascular events in patients. Based on results of whole-cell patch-clamp studies, we report that angiotensin II (Ang II) potentiated the activity of RVLM neurons, a sympathetic nervous center, whereas Ang II receptor blocker (ARB) reduced RVLM activities. Our optical imaging demonstrated that a longitudinal rostrocaudal column, including the RVLM and the caudal end of ventrolateral medulla, acts as a sympathetic center. By organizing and analyzing these data, we hope to develop therapies for reducing SNA in our patients. Recently, 2-year depressor effects were obtained by a single procedure of renal nerve ablation in patients with essential hypertension. The ablation injured not only the efferent renal sympathetic nerves but also the afferent renal nerves and led to reduced activities of the hypothalamus, RVLM neurons and efferent systemic sympathetic nerves. These clinical results stress the importance of the RVLM neurons in blood pressure regulation. We expect renal nerve ablation to be an effective treatment for congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, such as diabetic nephropathy.

Keywords: patch-clamp technique, sympathetic nervous system, congenic rat, RVLM neurons, optical imaging

Accentuated sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) induced by rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) neurons is a primary cause of essential hypertension

Potentiated SNA is considered to be a robust risk factor for cardiovascular events, such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction.1 Peripheral SNA is accentuated in patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney diseases. At least 50% of hypertensive patients show potentiated SNA.2, 3 As an increase in SNA precedes the onset of hypertension,4, 5, 6 we hypothesize that potentiation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the primary cause of hypertension.7, 8 The precise mechanisms of the central and peripheral SNSs must be understood for adequate treatment and prevention of cardiovascular events.

The RVLM oblongata region contains neurons that has a key role in determining peripheral sympathetic vasomotor tone and blood pressure (BP) (Figure 1).4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 The increased activity of RVLM neurons is transmitted to the intermediolateral cell column (IML) at each level of the spinal cord, where peripheral sympathetic nerves to the heart, arterioles and kidneys are activated, thus increasing BP. For this reason, RVLM neurons are referred to as a sympathetic nervous center or cardiovascular center. We hypothesize that accentuated activity of RVLM neurons is the primary cause of essential hypertension.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Schematic drawing of the central and peripheral sympathetic nervous systems (original drawing by Kumagai). Increased activity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) neurons is transmitted to the intermediolateral (IML) cell column of the spinal cord, where peripheral sympathetic nerves to the heart, arterioles and kidneys are activated, thus increasing blood pressure (BP). Potentiated sensitivity of the subfornical organ to plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), and that of the subfornical organ and the lamina terminalis to serum Na, increases the efferent sympathetic activity and BP through the activation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the RVLM neurons in essential hypertension. A full color version of this figure is available at the Hypertension Research journal online.

When BP is suddenly elevated, the activities of the arterial baroreceptors and cranial nerves IX and X (vagal afferent nerves), and the neuronal activity of the caudal VLM (CVLM) are increased via the nucleus tractus solitarius. Since the synaptic transmission from CVLM neurons to RVLM neurons is mediated by inhibitory amino acid GABA, the neuronal activity of the RVLM is suppressed, and so are the activities of IML neurons and efferent sympathetic nerves, and thus BP is decreased.7, 8, 9, 10 This pathway is known as the arterial (high-pressure) baroreflex. The CVLM is also a critical region for tonic and reflex control of the SNS, as CVLM neurons send tonically inhibitory signals to RVLM neurons.10, 11 Baroreceptor-activated GABAergic neurons have been identified in the CVLM region using extracellular recordings.12, 13, 14, 15

Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates and Ang II receptor blocker (ARB) suppresses the RVLM neurons

We previously reported the impairment of the baroreflex function in hypertensive animals, based on recordings of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and vagal afferent nerve activity in conscious rabbits and rats.16, 17 Candesartan, an ARB, improved the impaired baroreflex function in conscious rats with congestive heart failure.18 Earlier studies utilized microinjection of AngII and an ARB into the RVLM region. Ang II microinjected in the RVLM increased BP and heart rate in normotensive and hypertensive rats.19 The effects of Ang II on RVLM neurons have been examined using patch-clamp recordings in a slice preparation.20 GABA- and glycine-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were reported in RVLM neurons of neonatal rats in vitro.21 However, the precise neuronal mechanisms by which RVLM neurons regulate peripheral SNA and BP and those by which RVLM neurons are regulated by Ang II have not been fully elucidated.

We performed whole-cell patch-clamp technique (intracellular recording, current clamp) using an isolated brainstem–spinal cord preparation, in which baroreceptor afferent and efferent preganglionic nerves are preserved.22 We found three types of firing patterns in the rat RVLM neurons: regularly firing neurons, irregularly firing neurons and silent neurons.

We then compared the electrophysiological properties of single RVLM neurons from neonatal Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (n=54) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n=89).23, 24 The resting membrane potential of irregularly firing RVLM neurons in SHR was significantly less negative (more excitable) than that in WKY (P<0.05). The firing rate of irregularly firing neurons was significantly faster in SHR (3.2±0.2 Hz) than in WKY (2.0±0.2 Hz), whereas the firing rates of regularly firing neurons did not differ between SHR (5.3±0.4 Hz) and WKY (4.2±0.3 Hz).

One to two minutes after the start of superfusion with 6 μmol l−1 of Ang II, the RVLM bulbospinal neurons in SHR depolarized and the firing rate increased (Figure 2). The depolarization of RVLM neurons in SHR was +5.4±1.1 mV, which was a significantly larger depolarization than that in WKY rats. The increase in the firing rate was also faster in SHR than in WKY.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Top; whole-cell patch-clamp recording of membrane depolarization and increase in firing rate of an RVLM bulbospinal neuron during Ang II (6 mmol l−1) superfusion in brain stem-spinal cord preparation of neonatal SHR. Bottom; average changes in membrane potential of RVLM bulbospinal neurons. Values are the means±s.e.m. *P<0.05 vs. before superfusion.23 A full color version of this figure is available at the Hypertension Research journal online.

On the other hand, superfusion with candesartan (0.12 μmol l−1) gradually hyperpolarized the RVLM bulbospinal neurons in SHR and reduced the firing rate (Figure 3). The average amplitude of hyperpolarization of RVLM neurons in SHR was significantly larger than that in WKY. During superfusion with candesartan, the firing rate of the irregularly firing neurons in SHR decreased significantly, whereas the firing rate in WKY did not decrease.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Top; whole-cell patch-clamp recording of membrane hyperpolarization and decrease in the firing rate of an RVLM bulbospinal neuron during candesartan (0.12 mmol l−1) superfusion in an SHR preparation. Bottom; average changes in membrane potential of RVLM bulbospinal neurons. The changes in membrane potential during candesartan superfusion were significant when compared with the values obtained before superfusion in SHR, but not in WKY rats.23 A full color version of this figure is available at the Hypertension Research journal online.

Our results suggest that endogenously generated Ang II (presumably produced by astrocytes but not by neurons) binds to the AT1 receptors on RVLM neurons, and that this neuropeptide tonically activates the RVLM neurons in SHR. Ang II increased sympathetic outflow via AT1R in animals with heart failure.25 Candesartan microinjected into the RVLM region reduced the BP, HR and RSNA in normotensive rats in vivo.26

Tsuchihashi et al.27 demonstrated that, after either imidapril or candesartan was given orally to SHR for a period of 1 month, the pressor response to Ang II, which was microinjected into the RVLM region, was significantly smaller in candesartan-treated rats than in imidapril-treated rats. That is, candesartan reduces the activity of the RVLM neurons, which are situated behind the blood–brain barrier, even when it is administered peripherally. Therefore, when candesartan is administered orally in a clinical setting, it can suppress the activity of RVLM neurons, and this sympathoinhibitory mechanism is responsible for the antihypertensive effect of candesartan.

Both potentiated RVLM neurons and RSNA induce renin release and Ang II production (Figure 1). Our whole-cell patch-clamp studies showed that Ang II superfusion activated the RVLM neurons, whereas ARB suppressed the RVLM neurons.23 Therefore, we were able to directly demonstrate the occurrence of ‘a vicious cycle' between the SNS and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To interrupt this vicious cycle and prevent cardiovascular events in our patients, we should choose drugs, such as ARBs, that suppress both the SNS and the RAS.

AngII enhances glutamate release from presynaptic sites to RVLM neurons, examined by voltage-clamp

To examine the mechanisms by which Ang II activates RVLM neurons in relation to electrical currents, Imai and Kaneda (unpublished data, 2005) of our laboratory attempted to identify excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in RVLM neurons using the voltage-clamp technique. As Sumners et al.28, 29 previously demonstrated that a decrease in K current is an underlying postsynaptic mechanism of Ang II-induced depolarization in RVLM neurons, we tried to seek a presynaptic mechanism, using a brainstem slice preparation.

We found that RVLM neurons simultaneously received two types of synaptic inputs at the holding potential of −70 mV, that is, EPSCs and inhibitory PSCs. EPSCs decayed quickly and were inhibited by glutamate receptor (non-NMDA) blocker, CNQX (10 μmol l−1). In contrast, inhibitory PSCs decayed slowly and were inhibited by GABA type A receptor blocker, SR-95531 (30 μmol l−1).

Superfusion with 2 μmol l−1 of Ang II produced a sustained inward current (25±4 pA) and significantly increased the frequency (fourfold) and amplitude (twofold) of the EPSCs (holding potential −40 mV) under the GABAA blockade. We speculate that this inward current shown by the voltage clamp is an underlying mechanism for significant depolarization examined with our current clamp study.23 CNQX abolished the Ang II-evoked increase in EPSCs. Therefore, our data suggest that Ang II presynaptically enhances glutamatergic inputs to the RVLM neurons, whereas this peptide postsynaptically produces an inward current.

Essential hypertensive patients with accentuated RAS

On the basis of our experiments using the brainstem–spinal cord preparation, we speculate about the pressor mechanism in a subgroup of essential hypertensive patients with accentuated RAS (Figure 1). The subfornical organ in the forebrain can detect increases in the plasma concentration of Ang II because of lack of a blood–brain barrier.30, 31, 32 In essential hypertensive patients with accentuated RAS, the Ang II-induced signals from the stimulated subfornical organ are transmitted to the paraventricular nucleus neurons in the hypothalamus, thus activating the RVLM neurons and peripheral SNA, and raising the BP. Ang II decreases the tonic sympathoinhibitory effect of GABA within the paraventricular nucleus.33 Therefore, the subfornical organ can translate the elevated plasma Ang II into an increase in peripheral SNA via the paraventricular nucleus and RVLM neurons.

On the other hand, circulating Ang II cannot reach the RVLM neurons directly, as these neurons are situated within the blood–brain barrier. We speculate that local Ang II generated by the surrounding astrocytes stimulates the RVLM neurons (Figure 1).

Essential hypertensive patients with high salt sensitivity

In subjects with normal salt sensitivity, a high serum concentration of sodium (Na) stimulates the cardiac (low-pressure) baroreflex and should reduce RSNA and Na re-absorption at proximal tubules. The subfornical organ and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis in the forebrain detect increases in serum Na concentration and osmolality30, 31, 34, 35, 36 (Figure 1). The increase in the electrophysiological activities of the subfornical organ and the lamina terminalis stimulates the neurons in the paraventricular nucleus, thus activating the RVLM neurons and peripheral SNA. In other words, these organs translate increased serum Na into sympathoexcitation (Figure 1), so that RSNA is not suppressed and Na re-absorption continues. Therefore, the potentiated sensitivity of the subfornical organ and the lamina terminalis to serum Na concentration is a critical factor in the elevated BP of patients with high salt sensitivity.

Other factors that affect the electrophysiological properties of RVLM neurons

Hirooka and colleagues37, 38 have examined the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS, oxidative stress) on RVLM neurons and central sympathetic outflow. ROS production is increased in the RVLM of hypertensive rats compared with normotensive rats and this increased ROS enhances the central sympathetic outflow and raises BP.39, 40, 41 Cu–Zn–superoxide dismutase delivered by adenovirus reduces ROS in the RVLM and lowers peripheral sympathetic activity and systemic BP of hypertensive rats.42

Controversy remains as to whether endogenous nitric oxide (NO) decreases SNA. Some reports show that NO decreased the activities of RVLM neurons and sympathetic outflow.43, 44 In contrast, Kimura et al.45 reported that NO produced by inducible NOS in the RVLM contributed to high BP of SHR. Endothelin may affect the property of RVLM neurons and sympathetic activity.46

The interaction between the sympathetic system and respiratory system has been the focus of several studies. The respiratory system modifies the SNS in the hypothalamus and the nucleus tractus solitarius.47, 48 Iigaya et al. 49 recently demonstrated that, in response to environmental stressors, respiratory neurons modulate the neurons in the periaqueductal gray of the midbrain and RSNA.

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 1 affects the electrophysiological characteristics of RVLM neurons

Genetic factors that induce essential hypertension have been examined using genome-wide linkage analysis. A QTL that is closely linked to hypertension was found on chromosome 1 in stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP).50, 51, 52 Based on this finding, Nabika and colleagues53, 54, 55 at Shimane University established two congenic rat strains through 10 generations of repeated backcrossing. The ‘WKYpch1.0 congenic rat' was created by introgressing ‘the small QTL region (60-cM) for BP on rat chromosome 1 from SHRSP/Izm' into WKY/Izm rats (Figure 4). Meanwhile, the ‘SHRSPwch1.0 congenic rat' was created by introgressing ‘the same QTL on rat chromosome 1 from WKY/Izm rats' into SHRSP/Izm.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Genotypic and phenotypic (BP and heart rate) characteristics of two strains of congenic rats (WKYpch1.0 rats and SHRSPwch1.0) that were developed by Professor Nabika et al. (reproduced from Iigaya et al.56). A full color version of this figure is available at the Hypertension Research journal online.

Basal values of systolic BP and heart rate were larger in WKYpch1.0 congenic rats than those in WKY (Figure 4). Neonatal chemical sympathectomy abolished the exaggerated responses in BP and urinary excretion of norepinephrine (NE) in WKYpch1.0 congenic rats.53 To determine whether basal characteristics of RVLM neurons and responses to Ang II are regulated by genetic factors, we examined whether the intermediate phenotype of the QTL for hypertension was hyperactivity of the RVLM neurons.56 Whole-cell patch-clamping of RVLM neurons was performed from neonatal WKY rats, WKYpch1.0 congenic rats, SHRSP and SHRSPwch1.0 congenic rats. Changes in membrane potential during Ang II superfusion (6 μmol l−1) were then determined.

The resting membrane potential of regularly firing RVLM neurons from WKY rats was −55.4 mV, whereas that of neurons from WKY congenic rats was −46.4 mV. Thus, the resting membrane potential of WKY congenic rats was significantly less negative (more excitable). The firing rate of RVLM neurons from WKY rats was 2.7 Hz, whereas that of WKY pch1.0 congenic rats was 3.3 Hz.

The amplitude of depolarization induced by Ang II superfusion in RVLM neurons from WKYpch1.0 rats was significantly larger than that from WKY rats (Figure 5). On the other hand, the depolarization induced by Ang II from SHRSPwch1.0 was significantly smaller than that of neurons from SHRSP. Therefore, RVLM neurons from rats with a QTL originating from SHRSP (WKYpch1.0 and SHRSP) showed a significantly larger depolarization in response to Ang II superfusion than RVLM neurons from rats with a QTL originating from WKY (WKY and SHRSPwch1.0).

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Depolarization of a single RVLM neuron from rats carrying the chromosome 1 QTL (quantitative trait locus) of SHRSP (WKYpch1.0 and SHRSP) in response to superfusion with Ang II (6 μmol l−1) was significantly larger than that from rats without the QTL (cited from Iigaya et al.56). (a) Representative traces from each strain. (b) Changes in membrane potential (depolarization) of the RVLM neurons in response to Ang II superfusion (the mean±s.d. of eight neurons from different rats of each strain).

These data suggest that the intermediate phenotype of the QTL for BP on rat chromosome 1 corresponds to hyperactivity of the RVLM neurons in response to Ang II. Our data also imply that electrophysiological characteristics of RVLM neurons in rats are affected by a relatively short QTL on chromosome 1 and that genetic factors are important in determining peripheral SNA and systemic BP.56

As WKYpch1.0 congenic rats show exaggerated sympathetic responses to various stressors,54, 55 we hypothesize that genes in the chromosome 1 QTL will affect sympathetic responsiveness to stress through an Ang II-mediated system in the RVLM. In support of our hypothesis, previous data show that hyper-responsiveness of BP and RSNA to air-jet stress in WKYpch1.0 rats was inhibited by intracerebroventricular injection of candesartan.57

Optical imaging revealed monosynaptic projection from the caudal end of ventrolateral medulla (CeVLM) to the spinal cord

The connection between RVLM and IML in the spinal cord has been demonstrated by experiments in which virus and chemical tracers, such as pseudorabies virus, horse radish peroxidase and wheat germ agglutinin, are injected in the adrenal gland and sympathetic ganglia.58, 59, 60

We performed optical imaging to test whether neurons in the CeVLM, like the RVLM neurons, project monosynaptically (axonally) to neurons in the IML at the level of Th2.61 In most of the experiments, the preparations were superfused with a low-Ca2+-high-Mg2+ solution to block synaptic transmission and to exclude the ascending monosynaptic and polysynaptic projections and descending polysynaptic projections, and to detect the descending monosynaptic projections alone.

The brainstem–spinal cord preparation was incubated for 40–50 min in a standard solution containing fluorescent voltage-sensitive dye (left panel, Figure 6). The preparation was then placed in a perfusion chamber mounted on a fluorescence microscope (BX50WIF-2; Olympus). Neuronal activity in the preparation was detected as a change in fluorescence of the voltage-sensitive dye using an optical imaging apparatus (MiCAM01; Brain Vision, Tsukuba, Japan).61, 62 We obtained optical visualization (depolarizing responses) in the medulla oblongata in response to electrical stimulation of the IML at the level of Th2, where the efferent sympathetic nerve to the heart exits.63 Most recordings were performed with an acquisition time of 10 ms.

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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Method of optical imaging for brainstem–spinal cord preparation (reproduced from Iigaya et al.61). Depolarizing responses in the ventrolateral medulla in response to IML stimulation were detected as difference in color. A full color version of this figure is available at the Hypertension Research journal online.

As shown in Figure 7, the IML stimulation during a low-Ca2+ superfusion induced depolarizing responses in the longitudinal column of the rostro-caudal VLM, including the RVLM and the CeVLM regions. The latency between IML stimulation and the start of antidromic depolarization in the CeVLM was 28±7 ms. Furthermore, when observed on the cross section, the IML stimulation induced depolarizing responses in restricted regions at the level of the CeVLM (Figure 8).

Figure 7.

Figure 7

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Optical imaging of the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata during superfusion with low-Ca2+, high-Mg2+ solution. Depolarizing responses to IML stimulation were detected on the ventral surface at the RVLM and the caudal end of the VLM (CeVLM) region (cited from Iigaya et al.61).

Figure 8.

Figure 8

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Optical imaging of a cross section at the level of the caudal end of the VLM (CeVLM) during low-Ca2+, high-Mg2+ superfusion (cited from Iigaya et al.61). A depolarizing response to the IML stimulation was detected at the CeVLM region (n=8).

Finally, to examine whether CeVLM neurons are actually involved in the cardiovascular system, IML neurons at the Th2 level were recorded using the patch-clamp technique, and glutamate (1 mmol l−1, 10 μl) was applied locally to the CeVLM region, after removing the RVLM region. The local application of glutamate to the CeVLM increased the frequency of excitatory postsynaptic potentials and induced significant depolarization of the IML neurons.

Contrary to conventional conception,4 our optical imaging studies have demonstrated that ‘a longitudinal rostro-caudal column in the ventrolateral medulla, including the RVLM and the CeVLM regions' gives rise to a monosynaptic projection to the IML. The activation of IML neurons by the topical application of glutamate implies that neurons in the CeVLM send excitatory input to the IML and are involved in sympathetic regulation and BP control. The BP-elevating action of the caudal pressor area is mediated by RVLM neurons.64, 65 On the other hand, Pilowsky et al.66 reported that a new region, the medullo-cervical pressor area, projects to the IML in adult rats and that pressor action of this region is not dependent on the RVLM. As the excitation of IML neurons by glutamate application in the CeVLM was observed without RVLM neurons, the sympathoexcitatory action of the CeVLM neurons may be similar to that of the medullo-cervical pressor area.

We also demonstrated the monosynaptic electrical connection by developing simultaneous extracellular recordings of RVLM neurons and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of IML neurons at the Th2 level.67 The data were analyzed using the spike-triggered averaging method.

Potentiated SNS is responsible for increased linear correlation and decreased non-linear correlation between RSNA and BP in conscious SHR

Contrary to common understanding of homeostasis, the normal cardiovascular system is regulated by non-linear dynamics.68 Several diseases, such as congestive heart failure and arrhythmia, are characterized by a reduction in the non-linearity (complexity) of cardiovascular regulation, whereas non-linearity is high in healthy humans and animals. A reduction in non-linear fractal correlation of HR-intervals is shown to be a sensitive predictor of mortality in patients who had suffered myocardial infarction.69 In another clinical study, decrease in the non-linear correlation of the HR-intervals preceded ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia.70 Although hypertension is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality, non-linear correlations among BP, HR, RSNA and renal blood flow (RBF) had not been determined previously in hypertensive humans or animals.

We simultaneously recorded the BP, HR, RSNA and RBF on the same side of the body in conscious rats,71 a technique that had been reported to be unsuccessful. We used the coherence of the transfer function (linearity) and the mutual information method (linearity and non-linearity)72 to test whether the non-linear correlations among BP, HR, RBF and RSNA are reduced in SHR.73 We then determined the linearity and non-linearity in SHR treated orally with either candesartan or a vehicle for a period of 2 weeks.

The RSNA value was higher in SHR than in WKY rats, and the coherence peaks of the transfer function were found at 0.05 and 0.80 Hz, that is, below the respiratory- and cardiac-related fluctuations. The coherence of the transfer function from RSNA to BP was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY.71 As the mutual information values (linear and non-linear correlation) were similar in both strains, the non-linear correlation was lower in SHR than in WKY. The time delay values calculated using the mutual information method demonstrated that RSNA preceded BP and RBF by 0.5–1.0 s.

In conscious SHR treated with candesartan, RSNA values and linearity were lower and non-linearity was higher than the values in SHR treated with vehicle. Takimoto et al.74 showed that 2-week oral treatment with candesartan but not amlodipine reduced the RSNA and the linearity of the relation between RSNA and BP in conscious type 1 diabetic rats. Candesartan reduced cardiac SNA determined by metaiodo-benzyl guanidine (MIBG) in heart failure patients.75

Possible mechanisms underlying the higher linearity and the lower non-linearity in SHR may include the strong dependence of the cardiovascular systems on only one or two predominant neurohumoral systems (the SNS and RAS), the reduction in the number of neurohumoral systems (NO and baroreflex) or both. In other words, the higher non-linearity in normotensive WKY rats suggests that normal homeostasis of BP depends on various neurohumoral systems and not solely on the SNS.

Two-year depressor effects obtained by renal nerve ablation in essential hypertension

In 2009 Esler and colleagues76 reported a revolutionary therapy for essential hypertensive patients who were resistant to various antihypertensive drugs. Bilateral percutaneous catheter-based renal nerve ablation was performed in 42 patients whose BP was 177/101 mm Hg despite taking five antihypertensive drugs. At 9 months after the ablation, 20 patients showed a significant reduction in BP by 24/11 mm Hg.

In 1 of the 42 patients, renal and whole-body NE spillover, an accurate index of peripheral SNA was reduced by 47%, and muscle SNA was suppressed 1 year after the ablation.77 These results imply that not only the renal efferent SNA but also the systemic efferent SNA were suppressed.

In recent reports, Esler and colleagues78, 79 treated 153 patients with catheter-based renal nerve ablation at 19 centers in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Their average baseline office BP was 176/98 mm Hg. At 12 months after ablation, office BP was reduced by 23/11 mm Hg in 86 patients, and at 24 months the BP was further decreased by 32/14 mm Hg in 18 patients despite their having undergone only one procedure of renal nerve ablation.

How can the mechanism by which renal nerve ablation reduced the BP and efferent SNA to other organs be explained? I.v. infusion of high-concentration NaCl produced a significant pressor effect in baroreceptor-denervated, heminephrectomized rabbits and a prior renal denervation abolished this pressor effect.80 This result demonstrates the importance of the renal nerves in raising BP.

Campese et al.81, 82 showed that kidney injury induced by 10% phenol (a simulation of chronic kidney disease) increased NE secretion from the posterior hypothalamus and raised systemic BP in rats. Importantly, these increases were prevented by the prior denervation of afferent renal nerves or by a dorsal rhizotomy (destruction of the posterior column of the spinal cord around Th12). These data suggest that information regarding the state of the kidney, such as hypertension, high glucose, ischemia, Ang II and oxidative stress, is transferred via the afferent renal sensory nerves to the hypothalamus, thus stimulating the RVLM neurons and the efferent SNA to the heart, arterioles and kidney, and elevating the BP. Therefore, one can speculate that the catheter-based renal nerve ablation disrupts afferent renal nerves and decreases the neuronal activity of the hypothalamus, thus reducing the activity of the RVLM neurons and efferent SNA.

These data derived from patients and animals strongly imply the importance of the RVLM neurons, as well as afferent renal nerves, in the determination of efferent SNA and BP in essential hypertension and chronic kidney diseases (Figure 9).

Figure 9.

Figure 9

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Updated version of the central and peripheral sympathetic nervous systems (original drawing by Kumagai). Afferent renal nerves detect information regarding the state of the kidney, such as hypertension, ischemia, angiotensin II and adenosine, and are important in the regulation of efferent sympathetic nerve activities and BP. The importance of RVLM neurons is also understood as a pivotal position in the determination of sympathetic nerve activities. A full color version of this figure is available at the Hypertension Research journal online.

Renal nerve ablation may be a suitable treatment for various clinical diseases. Dahl salt-sensitive rats that undergo a heminephrectomy and are fed a high-salt diet exhibit albuminuria, renal dysfunction and high activity of NADPH oxidase in the remnant kidney. Kashihara and colleagues83 showed that 6 weeks after disruption of the renal nerves, kidney NE concentration and albuminuria were reduced and the renal function was improved.

SNA determined by NE spillover and muscle SNA is elevated in some patients with congestive heart failure.84, 85 Heart failure patients with high NE spillover showed a significantly worse prognosis compared with patients with normal NE spillover.86 In rats with heart failure, prior renal denervation increased natriuresis, decreased the left ventricular end diastolic pressure and improved left ventricular fractional shortening.87

Therefore, renal nerve ablation is expected to be a promising treatment for patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, including diabetic nephropathy, in which potentiated SNA has been implicated in the pathogenesis.2, 3

Conclusions

We showed the importance of neurons in the RVLM region and a vicious cycle between the SNS and the RAS in the regulation of peripheral SNA, by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The optical imaging demonstrated that a longitudinal rostro-caudal column in the ventrolateral medulla may regulate the SNS and BP. ARB is an appropriate tool for preventing cardiovascular events in our patients, as this drug reduces sympathetic activity both in RVLM neurons and in the periphery. For the same reason, renal nerve ablation is an encouraging therapy for patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure and chronic kidney diseases.

Acknowledgments

The research studies discussed in this review were supported by grants from the Kimura Memorial Heart Foundation for Research on the Autonomic Nervous System and Hypertension. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Drs Carlos M Ferrario, David B Averill, Ishio Ninomiya, Hironobu Morita, Yasuhiro Nishida, Hiroshi Hosomi, Takayuki Sato, Makoto Kaneda and Toru Nabika for their kind instructions. We also thank Drs Hiromichi Suzuki, Munekazu Ryuzaki, Masashi Ichikawa, Masahiko Nishizawa and Masahito Jimbo for their vigorous effort to explore the sympathetic nervous system with us.

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