Participation of the anterior hypothalamus in the regulation of arterial blood pressure.

ABSTRACT

Bilateral electrolyte lesions of the Anterior Hypothalamus (AH) were placed in rats to determine the extent to which this area participates in the regulation of Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP). Experiments were performed in two groups of rats; in one ABP was measured continuously for 44 hr subsequent to the lesion, and in a second group ABP was measured 24 hr after the placement of the lesion. The destruction of this area results in a rapid development of arterial hypertension, hypermotility and hyperexcitability. 24 hr later these effects are attenuated. We conclude that arterial hypertension is probably due to a disinhibition of sympathetic activity through central interruption of baroreceptors reflexes.