Non-technical summaryThe maintenance of healthy blood pressure is influenced by the activity of the sympathetic perivascular nerves which surround small arteries and arterioles. Increases in sympathetic neurovascular control may play a role in the genesis and progression of cardiovascular disease during obesity. Our data show that sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction is augmented during diet-induced obesity and that ATP and purinergic mechanisms play a significant role. Changes occur due to an increase in sympathetic nerve density and release of ATP, with a potential contribution from a decreased sensitivity to sensory vasodilatory neurotransmitters. Improving control of sympathetic function through the identification of potential therapeutic targets is likely to lead to increased cardiovascular health benefits for overweight and obese individuals.
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