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Plasma endothelin is increased in early essential hypertension
M P Schneider1, K F Hilgers, A U Klingbeil
1Department of Medicine IV/Nephrology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany.
American Journal of Hypertension
|July 27, 2000
Summary
Plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels are elevated in early essential hypertension. This finding suggests a potential role for ET-1 in the early development of high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Local vascular generation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in elevated peripheral resistance in hypertension.
- Early essential hypertension may involve increased ET-1 production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that immunoreactive ET production in forearm circulation is increased in early essential hypertensive subjects.
- To investigate the role of ET-1 in the early stages of hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Compared 10 young, untreated male patients with mild essential hypertension to matched normotensive controls.
- Collected arterial and venous blood samples at baseline and after acetylcholine-induced vasodilation.
- Measured immunoreactive ET (ET) using radioimmunoassay after column extraction.
Main Results:
- Basal ET levels were significantly higher in hypertensive subjects compared to normotensive subjects (P < .01).
- Elevated ET levels were observed in both arterial and venous samples.
- Local vasodilation did not alter arterial or venous ET levels.
Conclusions:
- Plasma ET is increased in young, untreated essential hypertensive subjects without target organ damage.
- Increased circulating immunoreactive ET may indicate an early role for ET-1 in hypertension development.