Impaired Kv7 channel activity in the central amygdala contributes to elevated sympathetic outflow in hypertension.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Elevated sympathetic outflow is associated with primary hypertension. However, the mechanisms involved in heightened sympathetic outflow in hypertension are unclear. The central amygdala (CeA) regulates autonomic components of emotions through projections to the brainstem. The neuronal Kv7 channel is a non-inactivating voltage-dependent K+ channel encoded by KCNQ2/3 genes involved in stabilizing the neuronal membrane potential and regulating neuronal excitability. In this study, we investigated if altered Kv7 channel activity in the CeA contributes to heightened sympathetic outflow in hypertension.

Methods and results

The mRNA and protein expression levels of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 in the CeA were significantly reduced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with Wistar

SUBMITTER: Sheng ZF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8803073 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature