Central neural regulation of cardiovascular function by angiotensin: a focus on the rostral ventrolateral medulla.

Angiotensin II acts through specific receptors to alter several brain functions including fluid and electrolyte control, neuroendocrine function and autonomic efferent activity. This review discusses one brain site, the rostral ventrolateral medulla, where the actions of angiotensin II have been intensively studied. The rostral ventrolateral medulla plays a critical role in the generation and regulation of sympathetic activity to the cardiovascular system and hence is important for blood pressure control. Current evidence indicates that angiotensin II activates neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla via the AT(1A) receptor. In some models of cardiovascular disease, blockade of AT(1) receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla reduces sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure suggesting that overactivity of the angiotensin system in this nucleus may play a role in the maintenance of high blood pressure.