Hypertension’s devastating impact on cardiovascular and renal health continues to drive high morbidity and mortality worldwide. With an estimated 1,000 deaths per day in the U.S. and nearly half of the adult population meeting the 2017 diagnostic criteria, the need for more effective treatments is urgent. Recent studies have illuminated the multifactorial mechanisms that increase arterial blood pressure, implicating vascular endothelial dysfunction, abnormal baroreflexes, and elevated sympathetic outflow. However, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding treatment-resistant hypertension.

This Research Topic brings together pioneering research on the vascular endothelium in hypertension and CKD, highlighting the central nervous system’s regulatory control of vascular function, with particular focus on the sympathetic nervous system’s contribution to blood pressure regulation and kidney function. We also welcome submissions shedding light on intracellular receptor cascades of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors, as well as non‑adrenergic neuromodulatory pathways, including neuromodulators stored in and released from sympathetic nerve terminals and circulating factors that directly or indirectly influence vascular and renal function. Mechanosensitive ion channels, which are critical to vascular function in these conditions, are also of central interest.

We aim to attract manuscripts that advance understanding of both basic mechanisms and clinical implications in hypertension and CKD, and to indicate future directions in the field. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Intracellular endothelial mechanisms influencing eNOS activity in hypertension and CKD

Roles of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in vascular tone regulation

Non-adrenergic neuromodulators and circulating factors impacting vascular and renal function

Contribution of ion channels and receptors to baroreflex activity under high blood pressure

CNS regulation of sympathetic activity and immune response in hypertension

Kidney function and its impact on blood pressure regulation

Brain pathways and central autonomic network regulation of acute stress in neurogenic hypertension

We welcome various article types, including original research, reviews, and mini-reviews. While abstract submission is not mandatory, we encourage interested researchers to submit a short summary of their planned manuscript to aid in coordination and early feedback.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Autonomic nervous regulation of vascular function in hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD)