Pericytes are involved in hypertension-induced cognitive decline

AIM: Hypertension is known to impair microcirculation in the brain, leading to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), which correlates strongly with cognitive impairment. Studies have shown a high prevalence of hypertension-related cranial MRI lesions, including arteriosclerosis and various forms of brain damage. Pericytes, a component of the neurovascular unit, are implicated in controlling blood flow and have been linked to Alzheimer's disease pathology, but their role in hypertension-related microcirculation disorders and vascular dementia has not been extensively studied. The study aims to investigate the role of pericytes to microcirculation disorders caused by hypertension, leading to cognitive decline and dementia, with the goal of identifying new treatment targets. METHOD: In this study, the effects of hypertension on different brain vessels (arterioles, capillaries, venules) were comprehensively examined in pericyte ablated and normal mice. HT induced in both groups via AT2 infusion and Losartan used as treatment option in both groups. Behavioral analyses performed to test cognitive changes. Result: AT2 infusion led to HT development. Pericyte ablation did not lead to differences in blood pressure between groups. In behavioral test, HT and perisit ablation+HT both caused significant cognitive decline and pericyte ablated+HT group showed worst performance. Losatan treatment improved cognitive functions in both groups. In conclusion, chronic HT caused cognitive dysfunction and this effect is aggrevated if blood brain barrier element pericytes are ablated.