The brainstem is a major site in the central nervous system involved in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes such as the baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex. The nucleus tractus solitarius and the rostral ventrolateral medulla are 2 important brainstem nuclei, and they play pivotal roles in autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Angiotensin II is one of the neurotransmitters involved in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes within the brainstem. It is well-known that one of the mechanisms by which angiotensin II exerts its effect is via the activation of pathways that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the central nervous system, ROS are reported to be involved in several pathological diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and sleep apnea. However, little is known about the role of ROS in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes within the brainstem. The present review mainly discussed some recent findings documenting a role for ROS in the processing of the baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex in the brainstem.
脑干是中枢神经系统中的一个重要部位, 参与心血管反射, 例如压力感受性反射和外周化学感受性反射。 孤束核和延髓头端腹外侧是脑干中重要的两个部位, 在心血管自主调节中扮演重要角色。神经递质血管紧张素II 能通过活化一些通路, 诱导产生活性氧簇, 进而参与脑干心血管反射。研究表明, 在中枢神经系统中, 活性氧簇 与一些病理疾病相关, 例如高血压、心衰竭和睡眠性呼吸暂停。然而, 活性氧簇在脑干心血管反射中的作用目前 尚不明确。本文主要就最近关于活性氧簇在脑干中压力感受性反射和外周化学感受性反射中作用的一些发现进行 综述及讨论。