The discovery of new “signalling centres” in the body could revolutionise the treatment of high blood pressure.
University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers believe the breakthrough could lead to new treatments for the condition that contributes to millions of deaths globally.
About one third of Australian adults are estimated to have high blood pressure, which is a major contributor to potentially lethal outcomes, such as stroke and heart damage.
The researchers said high blood pressure was commonly treated with “calcium blockers” that reduced the movement of calcium.
These medications had many side effects because they blocked a mechanism used by multiple organs to carry out normal functions.
“A treatment option that targets the harmful effects of calcium, but not its beneficial effects, could be very helpful for patients with high blood pressure,” the research report said.
“(The research team) discovered two critical – and previously unknown – signalling centres in smooth muscle cells that bring in calcium and regulate blood pressure.
“These ‘nanodomains’ act like symphony conductors for blood vessels, directing them to contract or relax as needed. These signalling centres are a key regulator of healthy blood pressure.”
The research, lead by Swapnil Sonkusare, was described by scientific journal Circulation as a “new paradigm in hypertension” that filled major gaps in understanding of the condition.
“Our work identifies a new mechanism that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and shows how abnormalities in this mechanism can lead to hypertension,” Dr Sonkusare said.
“The discovery of a new mechanism for elevation of blood pressure could provide therapeutic targets for treating hypertension.”
The full report University of Virginia
