Role of Endothelin in the Regulation of Vascular Tone in Patients With Essential Hypertension

Launched by NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI) · Dec 9, 2002

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a powerful vasoconstricting peptide produced predominantly by vascular endothelial cells, that exerts its effect through the interaction with specific receptors, ETA and ETB, on the underlying smooth muscle cells. Previous studies in normal subjects have demonstrated an increase in forearm blood flow after ET-1 antagonism, suggesting a physiologic role of ET-1 in the regulation of basal vascular tone. However, whether ET-1-mediated tone is increased in hypertensive patients is unknown.

The main purpose of this study will be to compare the forearm vascular responses t...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Between 40-65 years old.
• • Normal Volunteers who are not taking medications. Have no medical problems. Cholesterol below 200 mg/dl. No contraceptives.
• • Hypertensive Patients with blood pressure greater than 145/90 off medications. Serum cholesterol less than 200 mg/dl. No other medical problems.
• • High cholesterol patients with cholesterol level greater than 250 mg/dl. No other medical problems.