Is hypertension an immunologic disease?

Harrison, D. G., Guzik, T. J., Goronzy, J. and Weyand, C. (2008) Is hypertension an immunologic disease? Current Cardiology Reports, 10(6), pp. 464-469. (doi: 10.1007/s11886-008-0073-6) (PMID:18950555)

Abstract

Several studies published in the past three decades have suggested that the adaptive immune system contributes to hypertension. Recent studies have shown that T cells play a crucial role in the blood pressure elevation caused by angiotensin II and in response to sodium and volume challenge. Hypertensive stimuli cause effector T cells to enter visceral fat, in particular perivascular fat, where they release cytokines that promote vasoconstriction. Similarly, effector T cells accumulate in the kidney in hypertension and contribute to renal dysfunction, promoting sodium and volume retention. These findings provide some insight into the relationship between inflammation and hypertension and suggest that efforts to reduce T-cell activation may be useful in preventing or treating this disease.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Guzik, Professor Tomasz
• Authors: Harrison, D. G., Guzik, T. J., Goronzy, J., and Weyand, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Current Cardiology Reports
• Publisher: Current Medicine Group
• ISSN: 1523-3782
• ISSN (Online): 1534-3170
• Published Online: 09 January 2009