Publications by authors named "Alexandra Las Heras"

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), which has been linked to the development of sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Furthermore, it has been shown that CIH induced inflammation and neuronal hyperactivation in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a key brainstem region involved in sympathetic and cardiovascular regulation. Since several studies have proposed that NTS astrocytes may mediate neuroinflammation, we aimed to determine the potential contribution of NTS-astrocytes on the pathogenesis of CIH-induced hypertension.

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Background: Breathing disorders (BD) (apnoeas/hypopneas, periodic breathing) are highly prevalent in chronic heart failure (CHF) and are associated with altered central respiratory control. Ample evidence identifies the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) as an important chemosensitivity region for ventilatory control and generation of BD in CHF, however little is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying the RTN/BD relationship. Within the RTN, astrocyte-mediated purinergic signalling modulates respiration, but the potential contribution of RTN astrocytes to BD in CHF has not been explored.

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Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a global health problem. Increased sympathetic outflow, cardiac arrhythmogenesis and irregular breathing patterns have all been associated with poor outcomes in CHF. Several studies showed that activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) play a key role in CHF pathophysiology.

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