The role of the central apelin receptor in the development of hypertension

The role of the central apelin receptor in the regulation of cardiovascular function

Researchers know that there is a strong link between the activity of the nervous system and the control of the heart and circulatory system. Learning about the activity of the nervous system may help develop new treatments for heart and circulatory disease, including high blood pressure. Dr Anne-Marie O'Carroll and her team at the University of Bristol are interested in a protein called central apelin receptor (APJ), present in regions of the brain that are involved in the control of blood pressure. They hypothesise that APJ has a role in the development of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). The researchers will test whether decreasing levels of APJ has beneficial effects in preventing or halting high blood pressure. This work will expand our knowledge of how blood pressure is controlled and could contribute to the development of new therapies for treating hypertension.