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Alpha Adrenoceptor Blocker to represent as a New Treatment Approach for Patients with Salt-sensitive Hypertension

Jan, 2021 - By WMR

According to a new study led by the researchers of Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have reported to find that an alpha adrenoceptor blocker, a group of drugs which eases smooth muscle or blood vessels is a potential treatment approach for patients suffering from salt sensitive hypertension. Researchers suggested that α1-adrenoceptor antagonism diminishes the activity of a mechanism in the kidney that reabsorbs salt to reduce blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) causes hardening and thickening of the arteries that can further result in strokes, heart attacks, strokes and other complications such as chronic kidney disease. Moreover, hypertension affects one in two U.S. adults. In addition, dietary salt consumption have the ability to induce salt-sensitive hypertension that is encountered among over 50% of the hypertensive patients.

In the study, researchers involved an experimental model, which was allowed to feed a high salt diet that further increased their blood pressure. Later, a group of these models were treated with alpha 1 adrenoceptor blocker and it was observed that the alpha 1 adrenoceptor blocker reduced the blood pressure in the experimental model by reducing the activity of a pathway in the kidney that reabsorbs salt.

Richard Wainford, corresponding author stated, “Our data suggest blocking renal α1-adrenoceptors may represent a new treatment approach for patients with salt sensitive hypertension. We hope that these studies, that highlight a new mechanism underlying the salt sensitivity of blood pressure, will drive new treatment approaches for hypertension.”