Upper Grand Family Health Team

The arcuate nucleus (ArcN) is an integrative hub for the regulation of energy balance, reproduction, and arterial pressure (AP), all of which are influenced by Angiotensin II (AngII); however, the cellular mechanisms and downstream neurocircuitry are unclear. Here we show that ArcN AngII increases AP in female rats via two phases, both of which are mediated via activation of AngII type 1 receptors (AT1aR): initial vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction, followed by slowly developing increases in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and heart rate (HR). In male rats, ArcN AngII evoked a similarly slow increase in SNA, but the initial pressor response was variable. In females, the effects of ArcN AngII varied during the estrus cycle, with significant increases in SNA, HR, and AP occurring during diestrus and estrus, but only increased AP during proestrus. Pregnancy markedly increased the expression of AT1aR in the ArcN with parallel substantial AngII-induced increases in SNA and MAP. In both sexes, the sympathoexcitation relied on suppression of tonic ArcN sympathoinhibitory Neuropeptide Y inputs, and activation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) projections, to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Few or no NPY or POMC neurons expressed the AT1aR, suggesting that AngII increases AP and SNA at least in part indirectly via local interneurons, which express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and VGat (i.e. GABAergic). ArcN TH neurons release GABA locally, and central AT1aR and TH neurons mediate stress responses; therefore, we propose that TH AT1aR neurons are well situated to locally coordinate the regulation of multiple modalities within the ArcN in response to stress. <b>SIGNIFICANCE</b> The arcuate nucleus (ArcN) is an integrative hub for the regulation of energy balance, reproduction, and arterial pressure (AP), all of which are influenced by Angiotensin II (AngII). Here we show that ArcN AngII activates AT1aR to increase AP in male and female rats by slowly increasing sympathetic nerve activity. In females, ArcN AngII also evoked an initial pressor response mediated by vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction. Pregnant and estrus females responded more than males, in association with higher ArcN AT1aR expression. AT1aR were identified in ArcN interneurons that express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and GABA. Since brain AT1aR and TH mediate stress responses, ArcN AT1aR TH neurons are well situated to locally coordinate autonomic, hormonal, and behavioral responses to stress.

Little Ali falls from his tree </br> Hard grounded by Sir Isaac’s gravity. </br> His Afghan mother bears him to Grace Emergency. </br> Slender arm greensticked </br> Split his ripe cherry lip </br> Nose bloodied, his lashes tear dipped. </br> English makes him old, her young </br>

This qualitative study examines the employed single mother experience of time. Exploring their experiences of the “social time” concept, as opposed to natural (or clock) time, the themes which emerged included unrelenting responsibility, fragile control, precious moments, and a contrast between on-duty and off-duty time. The many roles these mothers fulfil require that they continually make decisions about how time will be allocated. Unexpected events interfere with carefully made plans such that the degree of control over time issues is experienced as tentative. As a consequence of the unrelenting responsibility and the fragile nature of their control over time, these mothers value precious moments when family time can be given priority. A sharp contrast exists between on-duty time and off-duty time when the children stay with the other parent for a short period. Off-duty time is mixed in nature. While the mothers are not engaged in direct parenting of the children, they still experience off-duty time as having a wide variety of demands associated with parenting.