IMMUNE-MECHANISMS IN EXPERIMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION

There is considerable evidence that alterations in immunologic function can contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Various models of hypertension, such as the spontaneously hypertensive rat, hypertension after partial renal infarction, postmineralocorticoid salt hypertension, and hypertension induced by repeated injections of angiotensin II are associated with a dysregulation of immune function. Some forms of human essential hypertension as well are accompanied by elevated serum immunoglobulin levels and autoantibodies directed against nuclear membranes and smooth muscle cells. While there is a strong association between alterations in immune function and hypertension, the specific immunologic mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension are not known. Therefore, further investigation into this area is necessary to elucidate these mechanisms. This promises to be a fertile area for future research.