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Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2019
Elevated endothelin-1 vasoconstrictor tone in prehypertensive adults.
Brian R Weil1, Christian M Westby, Jared J Greiner
1Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|January 17, 2012
Summary
Elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) vasoconstrictor tone in prehypertension impairs blood vessel dilation. This ET-1 activity contributes to the increased cardiovascular disease risk associated with prehypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Prehypertension (BP 120-139/80-89 mm Hg) is a significant risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- The role of endothelin (ET)-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone in prehypertension remains unclear.
- Investigating ET-1's contribution to endothelial dysfunction in prehypertension is crucial for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ET-1 vasoconstrictor tone is elevated in adults with prehypertension.
- To assess whether ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction contributes to endothelial vasodilator dysfunction in this population.
Main Methods:
- Forearm blood flow responses to selective ET(A) receptor blockade (BQ-123) were measured in normotensive and prehypertensive adults.
- Nonselective ET-1 receptor blockade (BQ-123 + BQ-788) was assessed in a subset of participants.
- Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine was evaluated with and without ET(A) receptor blockade.
Main Results:
- Prehypertensive adults exhibited a significantly greater increase in forearm blood flow following ET(A) receptor blockade compared to normotensive adults.
- Nonselective ET-1 blockade further increased blood flow in prehypertensive individuals, indicating a role for ET-1.
- Acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was impaired in prehypertensive adults and improved with ET(A) receptor blockade.
Conclusions:
- Elevated ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone is present in prehypertension.
- This increased ET-1 activity contributes to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
- ET-1 vasoconstriction may be a key factor underlying the heightened risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in prehypertensive individuals.
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