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Renal function in one-kidney, one-clip hypertension and low renin essential hypertension.

One-kidney, one-clip hypertension (1-K, 1-C HT) is initiated by increased preglomerular resistance which decreases nephron perfusion and causes several intrarenal changes that lead to increased mean arterial pressure (MAP). Elevated MAP serves to return nephron perfusion and sodium excretion to normal, so that fluid intake and output are balanced. Increased MAP usually occurs through volume homeostasis mechanisms that initially raise cardiac output and later elevate total peripheral vascular resistance via autoregulatory adjustments. However, if adequate volume is unavailable because of sodium restriction, sustained activation of the renin-angiotensin system increases blood pressure sufficiently to restore nephron perfusion. Thus, depending upon the availability of volume, renal perfusion and sodium balance can be restored either by volume retention or by increased angiotensin II (ANGII) formation and peripheral vasoconstriction. Similarities exist between 1-K, 1-C HT and low-renin essential hypertension (LRHT). In both cases, renal-pressure natriuresis is shifted to higher levels and there are marked increases in preglomerular resistance that necessitate increased MAP to maintain sodium balance. However, in 1-K, 1-C HT, there is a parallel shift of pressure natriuresis with little or no change in the slope of this curve, similar to that found in the normal-renin essential hypertension. In LRHT the slope of pressure natriuresis is decreased, indicating that blood pressure is much more salt sensitive than normal. Another difference is that PRA is low compared to normal PRA in 1-K, 1-C HT after compensatory increases in MAP. There is also no indication of glomerular membrane damage in 1-K, 1-C HT, whereas LRHT may have significant glomerulopathy, especially as hypertension progresses. These differences suggest that there may be additional factors besides preglomerular vasoconstriction involved in the etiology of LRHT. One possible factor is a reduction in nephron number in LRHT. Decreased functional nephrons would lead to glomerular hyperfiltration and increased distal tubular flow rate in the remaining nephrons, causing decreased PRA and eventually glomerular damage. Increased fractional sodium reabsorption, particularly in distal tubular segments, could also contribute to decreased PRA and cause blood pressure to be salt sensitive. These abnormalities, along with preglomerular vasoconstriction, may explain many of the characteristics of LRHT.

Animals↗

Daily nighttime melatonin reduces blood pressure in male patients with essential hypertension.

Patients with essential hypertension have disturbed autonomic cardiovascular regulation and circadian pacemaker function. Recently, the biological clock was shown to be involved in autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Our objective was to determine whether enhancement of the functioning of the biological clock by repeated nighttime melatonin intake might reduce ambulatory blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in 16 men with untreated essential hypertension to investigate the influence of acute (single) and repeated (daily for 3 weeks) oral melatonin (2.5 mg) intake 1 hour before sleep on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and actigraphic estimates of sleep quality. Repeated melatonin intake reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure during sleep by 6 and 4 mm Hg, respectively. The treatment did not affect heart rate. The day-night amplitudes of the rhythms in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were increased by 15% and 25%, respectively. A single dose of melatonin had no effect on blood pressure. Repeated (but not acute) melatonin also improved sleep. Improvements in blood pressure and sleep were statistically unrelated. In patients with essential hypertension, repeated bedtime melatonin intake significantly reduced nocturnal blood pressure. Future studies in larger patient group should be performed to define the characteristics of the patients who would benefit most from melatonin intake. The present study suggests that support of circadian pacemaker function may provide a new strategy in the treatment of essential hypertension.

Adult↗

Reduced plasma concentrations of nitrogen oxide in individuals with essential hypertension.

Patients with essential hypertension exhibit blunted endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses, which may be largely attributable to reduced bioactivity of nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, we measured the end product of NO, nitrate plus nitrite (nitrogen oxide), and examined the relationship between the degree of hypertension and plasma nitrate plus nitrite levels in patients with essential hypertension. The combined plasma concentration of nitrate plus nitrite, end products of NO metabolism, was reduced in individuals with essential hypertension relative to that in control subjects (15.7+/-1.1 versus 22.8+/-1.4 mmol x L(-1), P<.001); individuals with borderline hypertension showed values that were intermediate between those of the other two groups (18.2+/-1.2 mmol x L(-1), P<.001). The plasma nitrogen oxide concentration showed significant inverse correlations with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The basal concentration of nitrogen oxide in the plasma was reduced, at least in the peripheral circulation, in individuals with essential hypertension.

Female↗

[Genetics in hypertension research. What can we learn from it regarding common essential hypertension?].

Essential hypertension is a polygenic disease. Various genes responsible for rare monogenic forms of hypertension have been identified in the recent years. These are glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism (GRA), Liddle's syndrome and apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME). A fourth form, the Bilginturan syndrome is associated with brachydactyly and resembles essential hypertension. The investigations of the pathomechanisms in these rare diseases can help us to understand common hypertension.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Short- and long-term effects of spirapril on renal hemodynamics in patients with essential hypertension.

Sixteen essential hypertensive patients were entered into a protocol assessing the effect of Spirapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, on blood pressure, the renin-aldosterone system, and renal function. Specifically monitored before, during 6 weeks, and 6 months of Spirapril therapy were plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, serum ACE, the renal clearances of creatinine, inulin, and para-aminohippurate, and urinary albumin excretion. Blood pressure was well controlled. Spirapril stimulated plasma renin activity and suppressed ACE throughout the entire protocol. Renal clearances were unchanged. Renal vascular resistance was decreased. Urinary albumin excretion was decreased. The authors conclude that the ACE inhibitor, Spirapril, when used as an effective antihypertensive agent, preserves renal function, lowers renal vascular resistance, and decreases urinary albumin excretion.

Adult↗

Systemic and renal hemodynamic changes after two-month treatment with enalapril in patients with essential hypertension.

Twelve essential hypertensive patients with normal renal function were treated once daily with a new angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril maleate, for about two months. In all patients, the drug-induced changes in blood pressure (BP), systemic and renal hemodynamics, plasma renin activity (PRA), and urine aldosterone (UA) were evaluated. Mean arterial pressure was significantly lowered. No significant changes in cardiac index, heart rate, and stroke index were observed, while peripheral vascular resistance index was significantly decreased. Plasma and blood volumes were not significantly altered. The effects on renal hemodynamics consisted of a significant increase in renal plasma flow (RPF), a decrease in renal vascular resistance, and no change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). UA excretion was significantly reduced during enalapril therapy. The drug was well tolerated, and no side effects were observed. In summary, enalapril is able to reduce blood pressure through a vasodilatatory effect without change in cardiac output. It increases renal blood flow with no change in glomerular filtration rate.

Adolescent↗

Effects of losartan on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis in essential hypertension.

Twelve essential hypertensive patients were entered into a prospective study assessing the effect of losartan, a non-peptide specific angiotensin II receptor antagonist, on blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and renal function. Specifically monitored prior to and following 12 weeks of therapy at 6 (peak) and 24 (trough) h after dosing, were blood pressure, plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone, and plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), creatinine clearance and urinary albumin excretion (UAE). In this small sample of hypertensive patients, losartan monotherapy and losartan-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) combination therapy were associated with modest reductions in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial BPs; significant changes were observed only at the peak dosing interval. Losartan, given as either monotherapy or combination therapy, was associated with an increase in the 'trough' values of PRA; significant changes in the 'trough' values of plasma Ang II and plasma aldosterone were not observed. In contrast, PRA and plasma Ang II were stimulated, and plasma aldosterone was depressed, 6 h after dosing. There were significant negative correlations between both PRA and plasma Ang II reactivity (difference between PRA or plasma Ang II values obtained 6 h after placebo dosing and 6 h after drug dosing) and the change in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial BPs. Of interest, losartan/HCTZ combination therapy was associated with a decrease in the creatinine clearance; UAE was not significantly altered. Losartan appears to be an effective anti-hypertensive agent in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Its peak BP effect appears to be at the dosing interval corresponding to pharmacological blockade of angiotensin II receptors. Furthermore, this anti-hypertensive agent may be more efficacious in patients with a reactive renin-angiotensin system.

Aldosterone↗

Genetic determinants and renal mechanisms in essential hypertension.

Human essential hypertension is a polygenic disease whose phenotypic expression is modulated by the environment. Though the kidney could play a major role in the initiation and maintainment of hypertension, many questions remain open. Rat models of primary hypertension provided the substantial information with experiments on kidney cross-transplantation, showing that at least a portion of hypertension could be transplanted with the kidney in all strains where such an experiment has been carried out. Data consistent with those of rats have also been obtained in humans. Many abnormalities in kidney function and cell membrane ion transport have been described in hypertensive rats and humans, but the logical sequence of events from a genetic-molecular abnormality to a cellular abnormality which causes hypertension via a modification of kidney function is difficult to prove. We established this sequence in Milan hypertensive rats using a variety of experimental techniques such as the study of isolated kidney and renal cell function, cell membrane ion transport, cross-immunisation with membrane proteins, molecular biology, genetic crosses and manipulation. Such study led to the identification of a polymorphism in the cytoskeletal protein adducin. Recently, alpha-adducin variants have been associated to both primary hypertension and salt sensitive hypertension. Finally, recent findings strongly support the hypothesis that adducin variants may affect kidney function by modulating the overall capacity of the tubular epithelial cells to transport ions through both a modification in the assembly of actin cytoskeleton, and a modulation of sodium pump activity.

Animals↗

Renal genetic mechanisms of essential hypertension.

Human essential hypertension is a polygenic disease whose phenotypic expression is modulated by the environment. Though the kidney could play a major role in the initiation and maintainment of hypertension, many questions remain open. Rat models of primary hypertension provided the substantial information with experiments on kidney cross-transplantation showing that at least a portion of hypertension could be transplanted with the kidney in all strains where such experiment has been carried out. Data consistent with those of rats have also been obtained in humans. Many abnormalities in kidney function and cell membrane on transport have been described in hypertensive rats and humans but the logical sequence of events going from a genetic-molecular abnormality to a cellular abnormality which causes hypertension via a modification of kidney function is difficult to prove. We established this sequence in Milan hypertensive rats using a variety of experimental techniques such as the study of isolated kidney and renal cell function, cell membrane ion transport, cross-immunisation with membrane proteins, molecular biology, genetic crosses and manipulation. Such study led to the identification of a polymorphism in the cytoskeletal protein adducin and to the demonstration of its role in blood pressure control. Recently, alpha-adducin variants have been associated to both human primary hypertension and salt sensitive hypertension. Finally, recent findings strongly support the hypothesis that adducin variants may affect kidney function by modulating the overall capacity of the tubular epithelial cells to transport ions through both a modification in the assembly of actin cytoskeleton, and a modulation of sodium pump activity.

Animals↗

Electron spin resonance studies of erythrocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats and humans with essential hypertension.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate erythrocyte membrane abnormalities in hypertension by means of an electron spin resonance and spin-label technique. The erythrocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and humans with untreated essential hypertension were examined and compared with their normotensive counterparts, and electron spin resonance spectra were obtained for a fatty spin-label agent (5-nitroxy stearate) incorporated into the erythrocyte membranes. The value of outer hyperfine splitting (2T' parallel) was significantly higher in erythrocytes of SHR and humans with essential hypertension than in erythrocytes of normotensive controls (at 37 degrees C: SHR, 56.14 +/- 0.51 gauss [G], n = 8; Wistar-Kyoto rats, 52.22 +/- 0.86 G, n = 4, p less than 0.01; humans with essential hypertension, 56.94 +/- 0.27 G, n = 11; normotensive subjects, 55.44 +/- 0.36 G, n = 8, p less than 0.01). The order parameter (S) was also increased in the hypertensive rats and humans compared to their respective normotensive controls. When calcium was loaded to erythrocytes with calcium ionophore A23187 (0.9 microM) and CaCl2 (1.0 mM), the parameters of the spectra were increased. These changes were more prominent in the hypertensive groups than in the normotensive controls. These results revealed that the erythrocyte membranes of the hypertensive subjects tolerated different spin motions than those of the normotensive controls in the electron spin resonance study and that membrane fluidity might be decreased in hypertension. Additionally, calcium loading to erythrocytes caused the reduction of membrane fluidity. Therefore, it is suggested that an abnormality of calcium handling at the cellular level might affect physical properties of the biomembranes in hypertension.

Adult↗

[Pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Plasma noradrenaline, plasma renin and pressor effects of noradrenaline and angiotensin in normotensive patients and patients with essential hypertension].

Plasma noradrenaline, plasma renin and pressor action of exogenous noradrenaline and angiotensin in normotensive subjects and patients with essential hypertension. In normotensive subjects an inverse correlation was observed between the index of sympathetic nervous activity, the plasma noradrenaline concentration during physical exercise, and reactivity to exogenous noradrenaline. The relationship between the index of sympathetic nervous activity and reactivity to noradrenaline was invariably disturbed in age-matched patients with essential hypertension. A multiple regression analysis revealed a highly significant correlation between the combination of both factors and the height of mean arterial blood pressure (r = 0.91). The data suggest that both factors combined, sympathetic nervous activity and pressor response to noradrenaline, are an important determinant of the arterial blood pressure level. An inverse relationship could also be demonstrated between plasma renin concentration and pressor response to angiotensin II in normotensives and hypertensives. However, this relationship was unaltered in the hypertensives. Therefore angiotensin II does not appear to contribute directly to the high blood pressure.

Humans↗