Modulation of nesfatin-1-induced cardiovascular effects by the central cholinergic system

Nesfatin-1, a peptide whose receptor is yet to be identified, has been shown to be involved in the modulation of feeding, stress, and metabolic responses. Recently, increasing evidence has supported a modulatory role of nesfatin-1 in cardiovascular activity. We have previously reported that nesfatin-1 causes an increase in blood pressure in normotensive and hypotensive rats by increasing plasma catecholamine, vasopressin, and renin levels. Recent reports suggest that nesfatin-1 may activate the central cholinergic system. However, there is no evidence showing an interaction between central nesfatin-1 and the cholinergic system. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the central cholinergic system may have a functional role in the nesfatin-1-induced cardiovascular effect observed in normotensive rats.