Uncoupling of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in conscious rats with chronic renal hypertension

• Published in: Brain research Vol. 521; no. 1-2; p. 333
• Main Authors: Wall, K M, Wainman, D S, Shaver, S W, Gross, P M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 25-06-1990
• Subjects: Animals; Blood Flow Velocity; Brain - metabolism; Brain - physiopathology; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Glucose - metabolism; Hypertension, Renal - metabolism; Hypertension, Renal - physiopathology; Locus Coeruleus - metabolism; Locus Coeruleus - physiopathology; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Vascular Resistance
• ISSN: 0006-8993
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)91562-U

In an analysis of 46 individual brain structures and regions, we found that 12-14 weeks of renal hypertension in rats were associated with a 42% increase in cerebrovascular resistance, an average 28% reduction in cerebral blood flow, and no general change in cerebral glucose metabolism. A specific increase in metabolic activity, however, was identified in locus coeruleus. Generalized cerebral vasoconstriction resulting from central noradrenergic innervation originating in locus coeruleus is a possible explanation for the uncoupling of cerebral blood flow and metabolism in rats with chronic renal hypertension.