Home / Health / Hypertension Damages Brain Cells Before Blood Pressure Rises, Mice Study Finds
Hypertension Damages Brain Cells Before Blood Pressure Rises, Mice Study Finds
17 Nov
Summary
- Hypertension can impair brain cells responsible for cognition before blood pressure increases
- Hypertension induces early changes in gene expression in brain cells, interfering with thinking and memory
- Hypertension may lead to neurodegeneration seen in disorders like Alzheimer's
According to a study published in the journal Neuron on November 17, 2025, hypertension can start impairing the brain's major cells responsible for cognition well before blood pressure increases. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College say this finding could help explain how hypertension is a major risk factor for cognitive impairment.
The study found that just three days after inducing hypertension in mice, the gene expression in three key brain cell types - endothelial cells, interneurons, and oligodendrocytes - dramatically changed, before any measurable increase in blood pressure. Endothelial cells lining blood vessels showed signs of premature aging, while interneurons regulating nerve signals were damaged, leading to an imbalance. Oligodendrocytes also failed to properly express genes needed to maintain the myelin sheath protecting neurons.
The researchers believe these early cellular and molecular changes in the brain due to hypertension could provide clues for blocking the neurodegeneration seen in disorders like Alzheimer's disease. While hypertension medications can lower blood pressure, brain function often shows little improvement, suggesting factors beyond just elevated pressure may be involved.
