In a new study from the University of Minnesota, researchers found that blood pressure medications have an unanticipated effect on the brain.
They discovered that drugs used to treat blood pressure unexpectedly increase the effect of opioids that the brain naturally produces.
This can fine-tune the function of a specific brain circuit and counteract the addictive properties of opiates like fentanyl, which are used to treat pain.
They findings suggest a new strategy to boost opioid signaling in the brain in a way that is protective and beneficial, with a very low risk of dependence or addiction
The current study focused on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which has long been known to regulate blood pressure. However, little is known about the function of ACE in the brain.
Based on the study findings, the team recommends further research on ACE inhibitors, a safe class of drugs used to control blood pressure. ACE inhibitors have the potential to be redesigned to treat brain conditions.
The researchers are creating new ACE inhibitors in order to optimize their effect on brain function.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about daily food that may help reduce your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and findings of common nutrient that may help prevent high blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure prevention and treatment, please see recent papers about a new major cause of high blood pressure and results showing the key to treating high blood pressure.
The study is published in Science, and was conducted by Patrick Rothwell et al.
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