Macrophage-dependent impairment of α-adrenergic autoreceptor inhibition of Ca channels in sympathetic neurons from DOCA-salt but not high-fat diet-induced hypertensive rats.

DOCA-salt and obesity-related hypertension are associated with inflammation and sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. Prejunctional α-adrenergic receptors (αARs) provide negative feedback to norepinephrine release from sympathetic nerves through inhibition of N-type Ca channels. Increased neuronal norepinephrine release in DOCA-salt and obesity-related hypertension occurs through impaired αAR signaling; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear.