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Sex differences in angiotensin II- induced hypertension
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Sex differences in angiotensin II- induced hypertension

B Xue, A.K Johnson and M Hay
Brazilian journal of medical and biological research, Vol.40(5), pp.727-734
05/01/2007
DOI: 10.1590/S0100-879X2006005000093
PMID: 17464437
url
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X2006005000093View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Sex differences in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease have been described in humans and in animal models. In this paper we will review some of our studies which have as their emphasis the examination of the role of sex differences and sex steroids in modulating the central actions of angiotensin II (ANG II) via interactions with free radicals and nitric oxide, generating pathways within brain circumventricular organs and in central sympathomodulatory systems. Our studies indicate that low-dose infusions of ANG II result in hypertension in wild-type male mice but not in intact wild-type females. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that ANG II-induced hypertension in males is blocked by central infusions of the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, and by central infusions of the superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol. We have also found that, in comparison to females, males show greater levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species in circumventricular organ neurons following long-term ANG II infusions. In female mice, ovariectomy, central blockade of estrogen receptors or total knockout of estrogen a receptors augments the pressor effects of ANG II. Finally, in females but not in males, central blockade of nitric oxide synthase increases the pressor effects of ANG II. Taken together, these results suggest that sex differences and estrogen and testosterone play important roles in the development of ANG II-induced hypertension.
 Biology MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL

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