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Alteration of hypertension-related gene expression in human white blood cells and multilineage progenitor cells mediated by morphine

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 24, pages 711–712 (2010)Cite this article

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The vascular endothelium has an important role in vascular homeostasis by releasing various substances with autocrine and paracrine functions.1 Alterations in the production of vasodilator or vasoconstrictor substances or alteration in the rate of their degradation or diffusion may change the vascular tone.1 Vasodilator substances such as prostacyclin, natriuretic peptide, hyperpolarizing factor and especially nitric oxide have an important role. Reduced production or bioavailability of nitric oxide may cause vasoconstriction, increased platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, increased smooth muscle proliferation and leukocyte adhesion.1, 2

Endothelin-1 is the most important peptide produced in the endothelium. It causes vasoconstriction and smooth muscle proliferation with remodelling and impairment of endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction was not observed in patients with hypertension without a family history of cardiovascular disease and without other risk factors of atherosclerosis.3 However, deterioration of endothelial function was found in patients with hypertension with risk factors of atherosclerosis and was most pronounced in those with coronary artery disease.3

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  1. Cardiology Division, New York Medical College, Macy Pavilion, Valhalla, NY, USA

    W S Aronow

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Aronow, W. Alteration of hypertension-related gene expression in human white blood cells and multilineage progenitor cells mediated by morphine. J Hum Hypertens 24, 711–712 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2010.75

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