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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Phenotypic Characterization of Macrophages from Rat Kidney by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 18, 2016
Role of monocytes/macrophages in renin-angiotensin system-induced hypertension and end organ damage
Tlili Barhoumi1,2, Stephen Todryk3
1Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms (MRCFP), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a central modulator of cardiovascular physiology. Pathophysiology of hypertension is commonly accompanied by hyper-activation of RAS. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the gold standard treatment for hypertension. Recently, several studies highlighted the crucial role of immune system in hypertension. Angiotensin-II-induced hypertension is associated with low grade inflammation characterized by innate and adaptive immune system dysfunction. Throughout the progression of hypertension, monocyte/macrophage cells appear to have a crucial role in vascular inflammation and interaction with the arterial wall. Since myelomonocytic cells potentially play a key role in angiotensin-II-induced hypertension and organ damage, pharmacological targeting of RAS components in monocyte/macrophages may possibly present an innovative strategy for treatment of hypertension and related pathology.
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