The autonomic nervous system and hypertension: Quid novi?

Recent publications concerning the role of the autonomic nervous system in hypertension have demonstrated the nature of spontaneous oscillations of th e blood pressure. The contribution of sympathetic stimulations indicates th e baroreflex nature of certain rhythms, which opens a perspective of unders tanding the relations between increased sympathetic activity and hypertensi on. The sympathetic nervous system, angiotensin II and aldosterone are related, and antihypertensive therapy may therefore target one or the other, provid ing that the regulating functions are maintained. These concepts are develo ped in a recent series of articles which are presented schematically in thi s update.