Developing new approaches to correct blood pressure control in the brain

Development of a strategy to limit lactate-mediated sympathoexcitation

Nearly one third of UK adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), which leaves people at up to three times the risk of heart disease and stroke. In many cases the cause of high blood pressure is not known, but it is clear that the control of circulation by the brain is malfunctioning. Dr Anja Teschemacher plans to advance our understanding of this disrupted brain control, to help guide potential new treatments. A small area close to the lower surface of the brain is known to regulate blood pressure and this control is known to be disrupted in people with high Blood pressure. Dr Teschemacher and her team have previously found that cells from this region of the brain produce a molecule called lactic acid, which increases the activity of nerves that drive blood pressure up. In this project the team will develop and test new approaches that can reduce the concentration of lactic acid in this area of the brain in rates and see if, in turn, this reduces blood pressure. If successful this work would form the basis for future innovations in blood pressure treatments.