Grant: Operating Grant-PA: Sodium and Health

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major factor in the occurrence of stroke and heart attacks. Over the last two decades there is increasing evidence to implicate the brain in control of cardiovascular function though the sympathetic nerves and secretion of powerful hormones into the blood stream. Many chemical messengers have been identified within the brain that control cardiovascular function but their precise role and mechanism of action is less clearly understood. The studies outlined in this proposal focus on two peptides, Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), which have recently been identified within brain areas important for cardiovascular control. This work will provide novel and important information on how these peptides are involved in the control of blood pressure. It is possible that newer compounds based on NPFF and PrRP have the potential to be used in the treatment of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Since both NPFF and PrRP are also implicated in feeding behaviour, there are also prospects to develop drugs based on these peptides to treat obesity, also a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Our research program will train the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who will be intimately involved in the care of heart attack and stroke patients. These elements collectively will improve the quality of life for all Canadians with heart disease and stroke.