Abstract
Introduction
Chronic hypertension increases the risk of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) by ∼60%; however, how hypertension affects the vasculature of the hippocampus remains unclear but could contribute to VCI.
Methods
Memory, hippocampal perfusion, and hippocampal arteriole (HA) function were investigated in male Wistar rats or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in early (4 to 5 months old), mid (8 to 9 months old), or late adulthood (14 to 15 months old). SHR in late adulthood were chronically treated with captopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) or apocynin (antioxidant) to investigate the mechanisms by which hypertension contributes to VCI.
Results
Impaired memory in SHR in late adulthood was associated with HA endothelial dysfunction, hyperconstriction, and ∼50% reduction in hippocampal blood flow. Captopril, but not apocynin, improved HA function, restored perfusion, and rescued memory function in aged SHR.
Discussion
Hippocampal vascular dysfunction contributes to hypertension-induced memory decline through angiotensin II signaling, highlighting the therapeutic potential of HAs in protecting neurocognitive health later in life.
Highlights
Vascular dysfunction in the hippocampus contributes to vascular cognitive impairment.
Memory declines with age during chronic hypertension.
Angiotensin II causes endothelial dysfunction in the hippocampus in hypertension.
Angiotensin II-mediated hippocampal arteriole dysfunction reduces blood flow.
Vascular dysfunction in the hippocampus impairs perfusion and memory function.
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This post is Copyright: Olivia Gannon,
Sarah M. Tremble,
Conor McGinn,
Ruby Guth,
Nadia Scoppettone,
Ryan D. Hunt,
Kirtika Prakash,
Abbie C. Johnson | October 11, 2023