Impaired endothelial function of the retinal vasculature in hypertensive patients

Delles, C. , Michelson, G., Harazny, J., Oehmer, S., Hilgers, K.F. and Schmieder, R.E. (2004) Impaired endothelial function of the retinal vasculature in hypertensive patients. Stroke, 35(6), pp. 1289-1293. (doi: 10.1161/01.STR.0000126597.11534.3b)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000126597.11534.3b

Abstract

<p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> Arterial hypertension constitutes a central factor in the pathogenesis of stroke. We examined endothelial function of the retinal vasculature as a model of the cerebral circulation.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> Thirty-eight young subjects (19 hypertensive and 19 normotensive) were treated with the AT1-receptor blocker candesartan cilexetil and placebo, each over 7 days. Retinal capillary flow and blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery were assessed with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry and pulsed Doppler ultrasound, respectively. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) was infused to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Diffuse luminance flicker was applied to stimulate NO release.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> In normotensive subjects, L-NMMA decreased retinal capillary flow by 8.2%±13% (P<0.05) and flickering light increased mean blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery by 19%±29% (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant change to these provocative tests was seen in hypertensive subjects. Treatment with candesartan cilexetil restored a normal pattern of reactivity in retinal capillaries (L-NMMA: decrease in perfusion by 10%±17%, P<0.05) and the central retinal artery (flicker: increase in mean blood flow velocity by 42%±31%, P<0.001) in hypertensive patients.</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> Endothelial function of the retinal vasculature is impaired in early essential hypertension but can be improved by AT1-receptor blockade.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Delles, Professor Christian
Authors: Delles, C., Michelson, G., Harazny, J., Oehmer, S., Hilgers, K.F., and Schmieder, R.E.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Stroke
Publisher:American Heart Association
ISSN:0039-2499
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2004 American Heart Association
First Published:First published in Stroke 35(6):1289-1293
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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