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Glucocorticoids in blood pressure regulation
1Département de Néphrologie, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France.
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Endogenous glucocorticoids may maintain blood pressure by enhancing vascular reactivity. Blocking these effects with antagonists like RU486 can lower blood pressure, especially in low-salt conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Glucocorticoid excess is linked to hypertension in humans and animals.
- This hypertension is rapid, salt-independent, and responsive to glucocorticoid antagonists like RU486.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endogenous glucocorticoids in regulating blood pressure.
- To determine if glucocorticoids enhance vascular reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Administration of RU486, a glucocorticoid antagonist, to normal rats.
- Assessment of vascular reactivity to norepinephrine and angiotensin II.
- Measurement of blood pressure and vascular resistance in rats on a low-salt diet.
Main Results:
- RU486 blunted vascular reactivity to norepinephrine and angiotensin II in normal rats.
- In rats on a low-salt diet, RU486 induced a significant fall in blood pressure (approx. 20 mm Hg) due to decreased vascular resistance.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous glucocorticoids appear to contribute to blood pressure maintenance by enhancing vascular reactivity.
- Glucocorticoid antagonists may offer a therapeutic strategy for certain types of hypertension.