Leptin Mediates High-Fat Diet Sensitization of Angiotensin II–Elicited Hypertension by Upregulating the Brain Renin–Angiotensin System and Inflammation

Obesity is characterized by increased circulating levels of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, which can increase sympathetic nerve activity and raise blood pressure. A previous study revealed that rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) have an enhanced hypertensive response to subsequent angiotensin II administration that is mediated at least, in part, by increased activity of brain renin–angiotensin system and proinflammatory cytokines. This study...