Parathyroid hormone and genetic hypertension

Recent research provides evidence that parathyroid hormone is implicated in the pathogenesis of genetic hypertension. Abnormalities in calcium metabolism in genetic hypertension have been reported. These include hypercalciuria, depressed serum ionized calcium associated with enhanced serum parathyroid hormone levels. Calcium supplement resulted in normalization of calcium metabolism and reduction in blood pressure. In addition, removal of parathyroid glands attenuated the rise in blood pressure in genetic hypertensive rat. This review focuses on the links between calcium metabolism and calcium endocrine system abnormalities and the etiology of experimental genetic hypertension. The mechanisms by which dietary supplement and parathyroidectomy lower genetic hypertension are also discussed. Although the causality of raised parathyroid hormone in genetic hypertension is not yet fully understood, we conclude that this hormone may play a permissive effect in the development of hypertension.