# The Role of Sympathetic Nervous System Activity on Blood Pressure Regulation in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

> **NIH NIH SC2** · SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $144,159

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 This project aims to elucidate the pathophysiological basis for the higher prevalence of hypertension and
cardiovascular disease in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although it has been suggested that
individuals with ASD may have sympathetic hyperactivity, limited studies using indirect measures have been
performed. To date, direct measures of resting sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) have not been made in
individuals with ASD. An exaggerated blood pressure response to acute exercise is typically seen in individuals
with hypertension and other chronic conditions, and such changes in blood pressure are also associated with an
increased risk of future stroke and cardiovascular mortality. Identifying neural and vascular mechanisms of
elevated blood pressure in the ASD population is an essential first step to inform future research on the efficacy
of clinical intervention to lower blood pressure in ASD; thus, it could reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality.
 The pressor response evoked during exercise is a result of neural inputs including activation of the
exercise pressor reflex to cause sympatho-excitation and activation of arterial baroreflex to cause sympatho-
inhibition. We aim to identify whether heightened SNA is a major contributor to augmented blood pressure during
exercise in ASD caused by augmented exercise pressor reflex activation (Aim 1). Further, we aim to determine
how sympathetically mediated vascular responses contribute to the blood pressure increase during exercise in
ASD (Aim 2), and whether impaired arterial baroreflex function contributes to augmented SNA and blood
pressure responses in ASD compared to controls (Aim 3). In these studies, we will directly measure muscle
SNA, skeletal muscle blood flow, and continuous blood pressure in both young adults with ASD and healthy
controls at rest and while they perform exercise. This study will be the first to investigate neural control
mechanisms of the cardiovascular system in an ASD population using state-of-the-art techniques. Thus far only
indirect measures (e.g., resting heart rate and blood pressure variability) have been employed to understand
autonomic dysfunction in ASD population. We will measure muscle SNA directly from the peroneal nerve using
microneurography technique for the first time in ASD population both at rest and during exercise. Identifying
sympathetic overactivity in ASD is important because it not only contributes to the hypertension but also may
accelerate the progression of other health complications including heart disease independent of any rise in blood
pressure. In addition, by using the unique noninvasive variable pressure neck chamber technique, we will identify
not only arterial baroreflex control of muscle SNA, but also control of blood pressure as an outcome both at rest
and during exercise.
 Collectively, with guidance from SC2 mentors who have expertise in clinical applications of autonomic
function and exerc...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10764239
- **Project number:** 5SC2GM144165-03
- **Recipient organization:** SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Areum Kim Jensen
- **Activity code:** SC2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $144,159
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-02-01 → 2025-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10764239

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10764239, The Role of Sympathetic Nervous System Activity on Blood Pressure Regulation in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (5SC2GM144165-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10764239. Licensed CC0.

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