Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered a new method for regulating blood pressure. It may be possible to lower blood pressure by targeting a specific part of the blood vessel.
Dr Swapnil Sonkusare and his team discovered two previously unknown calcium-bringing signaling centers in smooth muscle cells. According to the researchers, these “nanodomains” act as symphony conductors for blood vessels, directing them to contract or relax as needed. Blood pressure is regulated by these signaling centers, according to the researchers.
A disruption in this process contributes to high blood pressure, as well, according to UVA scientists. In mice models of the disease as well as in hypertensive patients, a fine balance is lost between constrictor and dilator signaling centers. Blood pressure increased due to constriction of the blood vessels.
Researchers can use the new findings to develop treatments that target the underlying causes of hypertension, improving our understanding of how our bodies maintain healthy blood pressure.
“Hypertension is such a critical health concern in the U.S., and it’s a major risk factor for other disease conditions, as well such as stroke, heart disease, and many other disease conditions,” Swapnil Sonkusare with UVA Health said.
Our understanding of how the body regulates blood pressure has been revolutionized by UVA’s Swapnil Sonkusare, PhD, and colleagues. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can also be caused by problems with this critical biological process.
“Our work identifies a new mechanism that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and shows how abnormalities in this mechanism can lead to hypertension,” said Sonkusare, of UVA’s Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics and UVA’s Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center. “The discovery of a new mechanism for elevation of blood pressure could provide therapeutic targets for treating hypertension.”
