Hypertension is a common condition associated with disease in multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal systems. The etiology of essential hypertension is unknown. While many factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, the kidney plays the primary role in long-term blood pressure control. Pressure-induced natriuresis (P-N), wherein an increase in arterial blood pressure leads to an increase in urinary sodium and water excretion, is the dominant mechanism for this control. The experiments outlined in this application will test the hypothesis that extracellular renal interstitial cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate (RIcGMP) is a molecule that plays a critically important role in the mechanism of P-N. The experiments pertaining to the first specific aim explore one mechanism by which this may occur. Those experiments addressing the second specific aim will provide preliminary evidence that two agents which augment RIcGMP may be useful as therapeutic agents in treating human hypertension.
Aim 1. To test the hypothesis that extracellular RIcGMP mediates the rise in renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure (RIHP) observed after an increase in renal perfusion pressure (RPP) and is necessary for the resulting P-N.
Aim 2. To test the hypothesis that increased extracellular RIcGMP augments P-N: (1) by activating soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), which generates cGMP from guanosine triphosphate. (2) by inhibiting phosphodiesterase V (PDE V), which specifically hydrolyzes cGMP. A unique microdialysis technique for measuring renal interstitial (Rl) products in vivo in the rat will be utilized. A microinfusion method wherein various pharmacologic agents can be infused directly into the Rl compartment will also be used. This research will lead to a more complete understanding of the underlying cause of essential hypertension. It will lead to better, more specific therapies for the more than 70 million Americans with high blood pressure. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32DK082110-01
Application #
7544807
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F10-H (21))
Program Officer
Rankin, Tracy L
Project Start
2008-09-01
Project End
2009-06-30
Budget Start
2008-09-01
Budget End
2009-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$47,010
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Virginia
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Charlottesville
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22904