New blood pressure control found

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UK scientists say they have discovered a new way to regulate blood pressure,

offering hopes of new drugs to combat strokes and heart attacks.

One in four adults has high blood pressure and although powerful drugs are

already available, few manage to achieve target blood pressure levels.

The pathway found in a study by King's College London involves a process called

oxidation, reports Science.

Until now, oxidation has largely been linked with harm rather than good.

Indeed, free radicals and oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide, can cause cell

damage.

But they also play crucial roles in normal cell function.

Blood pressure control

Protein kinase G (PKG) is an important protein in all tissues, but in the

cardiovascular system it plays a fundamental role in blood pressure regulation.

Nitric oxide produced within blood vessels is known to be crucial in this

process.

But ph Burgoyne and colleagues at King's College have found a novel way in

which the protein PKG can be regulated independently of nitric oxide.

They discovered that oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide cause a bond to form

between two amino acids which, in turn, activates PKG. This then leads to a

lowering of blood pressure.

Dr Philip Eaton, who led the King's team, said: " The research could lead to the

development of drugs which activate this new pathway. "

The researchers now plan to explore the role of this new pathway in the events

leading to a heart attack.

Professor Pearson, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart

Foundation, which funded the research, said: " This research is exciting.

Firstly, the team's novel discovery opens up opportunities for the design of new

drugs to combat high blood pressure.

" Secondly, the mechanism provides new insights into how oxidant stress affects

cells and tissues. Oxidant stress not only alters blood flow, but also affects

the heart's ability to contract and is involved in a wide variety of

inflammatory conditions. "

manish kothari