High Blood Pressure Research Unit

The Unit studies the mechanisms by which steroid hormones from the adrenal gland, in particular the major glucocorticoid in rodents, corticosterone, contribute to blood pressure regulation and cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Studies in animals are also undertaken collaboratively with Professor Brian Morris, Basic and Clinical Genomics Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Sydney.

The Unit studies conscious animals using a range of techniques of integrative physiology in rats and functional genomics in mice. At present we are using a new technology that allows the recording of blood pressure in rats and mice by an implantable telemetric probe. This is an automated system that allows values of blood pressure to be recorded 24 hours a day without the subject knowing - which permits better measures of blood pressure and improved study design.

Currently our animal studies are directed at exploring the role which nitric oxide cofactors play in ameliorating elevated blood pressure and what insights into the development of high blood pressure might be revealed by the use of selective gene-knock out mice.

The research projects of the High Blood Pressure Research Unit have the common aim of understanding the pathophysiology of high blood pressure, and in particular that due to steroid hormones. Hypertension or high blood pressure affects some 15% of Australians and is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and prematurity. Photo: Mr Miles Andrews (right) who gained First Class Honours and University Medal - with High Blood Pressure Research Unit members, Dr Chris Schyvens and Ms Kate McKenzie

This program has close links to an analogous program in human subjects based in Sydney.

Studies in human subjects are undertaken collaboratively with Drs John Kelly and George Mangos in the Departments of Medicine and Renal Medicine at St George Hospital, University of New South Wales.

We are currently exploring the role of vasodilator nitric oxide and vasoconstrictor erythropoeitin in the elevations of blood pressure produced by cortisol, the body's major adrenal steroid hormone.

Professor Judith Whitworth, Head of Unit