The nitric oxide system in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension.
The blood pressure-raising effects of adrenocortical steroids with predominantly glucocorticoid activity, both naturally occurring and synthetic, are well known. Recent evidence suggests that the nitric oxide system plays a key role in the hypertension produced by glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoid actions at various sites in the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway may result in elevated blood pressure. These include: alterations in l-arginine availability or transport; NOS2 and NOS3 downregulation; reduced cofactor bioavailability; NOS uncoupling; a concomitant elevation in reactive oxygen species and removal of nitric oxide (NO) from the vascular environment; alterations in whole body antioxidant status; and erythropoietin induced resistance to NO.
Whitworth
Judith A
JA
The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. Judith.Whitworth@anu.edu.au
Schyvens
Christopher G
CG
Zhang
Yi
Y
Andrews
Miles C
MC
Mangos
George J
GJ
Kelly
John J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009569:Nitric Oxide