The effects of nitrendipine (Nit) and tetrandrine (Tet) on the contents of ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hypothalamus and cortex were studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The results showed that short-term (1 week) and long-term (20 weeks) treatments with Nit and Tet produced a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in GABA contents in the hypothalamus but not in the cortex. These findings suggest that the action of Nil and Tet on GABA contents in the hypothalamus may be partially contributed to their antihypertensive effects.

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a key regulatory role in glucose homeostasis. In particular, the brain is important in initiating and coordinating protective counterregulatory responses when blood glucose levels fall. This may due to the metabolic dependency of the CNS on glucose, and protection of food supply to the brain. In healthy subjects, blood glucose is normally maintained within a relatively narrow range. Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients can increase the risk of complications, such as heart disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The clinical research finds that the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a positive effect on the treatment of hypoglycemia. Here the authors reviewed the current understanding of sensing and counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, and discuss combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the theory of iatrogenic hypoglycemia in diabetes treatment. Furthermore, the authors clarify the feasibility of treating hypoglycemia on the basis of TCM theory and CNS and have an insight on its clinical practice.