Infusion of Losartan into the 4th Ventricle Reduced Cardiac Sympathoexcitation in Heart Failure

Abstract

Background and Aims A key feature of heart failure (HF) is an increase in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA). We have found that the area postrema (AP), a brainstem circumventricular organ, plays an important role in controlling CSNA and in determining the increase in CSNA in heart failure. We hypothesized that in sheep with HF, 4 th ventricular infusions of losartan (angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist) will reduce CSNA to a greater extent than infusion into the cisterna magna. Methods ..