Blood pressure medications impact brain function

Date:
March 2, 2022
Source:
University of Minnesota Medical School
Summary:
Researchers found that blood pressure medications have an
unanticipated effect on the brain.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Published in Science, University of Minnesota Medical School researchers
found that blood pressure medications have an unanticipated effect on
the brain.


==========================================================================
The research team discovered that drugs used to treat blood pressure unexpectedly increase the effect of opioids that the brain naturally
produces.

This can fine-tune the function of a specific brain circuit and counteract
the addictive properties of opiates like fentanyl, which are used to
treat pain.

"Our findings suggest a new strategy to boost opioid signaling in the
brain in a way that is protective and beneficial, with a very low risk
of dependence or addiction," said Patrick Rothwell, PhD, an assistant
professor of neuroscience at the U of M Medical School and Medical
Discovery Team on Addiction.

The study focused on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which has long
been known to regulate blood pressure. However, little is known about
the function of ACE in the brain.

Based on the study findings, Rothwell recommends further research on ACE inhibitors, a safe class of drugs used to control blood pressure. ACE inhibitors have the potential to be redesigned to treat brain conditions.

This research was funded by Minnesota's Discovery, Research, and
Innovation Economy (MnDRIVE) initiative, and the National Institute
on Drug Abuse. The project was led by Brian Trieu, an MD/PhD candidate
working in the Rothwell lab.

In collaboration with Dr. Swati More from the Center for Drug Design
in the College of Pharmacy, Rothwell and University researchers
are creating new ACE inhibitors in order to optimize their effect on
brain function. This ongoing effort is supported by a Faculty Research Development Grant from the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs.

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dreams in this free online course from New Scientist -- Sign_up_now_>>> ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by
University_of_Minnesota_Medical_School. Original written by Kat
Dodge. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Brian H. Trieu et al. Angiotensin-converting enzyme gates brain
circuit-
specific plasticity via an endogenous opioid. Science, 2022 DOI:
10.1126/ science.abl5130 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220302185942.htm

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