High Blood Pressure Research Unit

The HBPRU studies the mechanisms by which steroid hormones contribute to blood pressure regulation and cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension affects some 15% of Australians and is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and prematurity.

With the completion of new laboratories, the unit has developed considerable experience with a new technology whereby an implantable telemetric device records blood pressure in free ranging rats and mice. This innovative technology allows blood pressure to be recorded 24 hours / day - without the animal knowing. This also permits better measures of blood pressure and improved study design.

Mr Andrew Podger, Secretary, Department of Health and Aged Care and Professor Judith Whitworth at the opening of the Director's new laboratories.

Mr Andrew Podger with Prof Judith Whitworth at the opening of the Director's new labs. Photo pb

During 2000 we have developed a model of steroid-induced hypertension in mice utilising ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). This will allow us to study genetically modified animals.

High Blood Pressure Research Group. Photo Karen Edwards
Dr Yi Zhang, Kate McKenzie, Paula Williamson (on secondment to St George Hospital), Dr Chris Schyvens

In studies at St George Hospital, we have shown vasodilator nitric oxide appears to play a role in steroid-induced hypertension in man, and in collaboration with Prof Brian Morris at the University of Sydney, that steroid-induced hypertension is associated with down regulation of nitric oxide synthase gene expression in rats with steroid-induced hypertension.

With Dr David Torpy at the University of Queensland, we have identified a new (genetic) cause of chronic fatigue syndrome due to abnormalities in a steroid binding protein. This has exciting possibilities for diagnosis and management.

Staff of the High Blood Pressure Research Unit

Professor and Head:
Judith A Whitworth, MD, BS, PhDm DSc (Melb), FRACP
Postdoctoral Fellows:
Chris G Schyvens, BSc (Syd), PhD (NSW)
Yi Zhang, BMed (Beijing), PhD (Adelaide)
Senior Technical Officer:
Kate US McKenzie, Ass Dip App Sci in Animal Sci (CIT)
Research Assistant:
Paula M Williamson, SRN (seconded to St George Hospital, Sydney)
Visiting Fellows:
Brian J Morris, BSc (Hons) (Adelaide), PhD (Monash), DSc (Syd)
Timothy J Cole, BSc (Hons), PhD (Melb)
George J Mangos, MBBS, MD (UNSW), FRACP
John J Kelly, MBBS (Hons) (NSW), MD (NSW)