The presence of antibodies against the angiotensin II receptor (AT1 receptor) has been noted in a number of conditions involving raised blood pressure, from preeclampsia during pregnancy to the hypertension associated with aging. These antibodies induce dysfunction in vascular smooth muscle, preventing appropriate contraction and dilation in response to circumstances. That in and of itself is enough to produce hypertension, chronically raised blood pressure. In turn, that raised blood pressure causes damage to delicate tissues throughout the body, such as those of the kidney and the brain. It is an important aspect of aging, a way in which…
Autoimmunity Against AT1 Receptor Spurs Endothelial Cellular Senescence and Vascular Aging
The presence of antibodies against the angiotensin II receptor (AT1 receptor) has been noted in a number of conditions involving raised blood pressure, from preeclampsia during pregnancy to the hypertension associated with aging. These antibodies induce dysfunction in vascular smooth muscle, preventing appropriate contraction and dilation in response to circumstances. That in and of itself is enough to produce hypertension, chronically raised blood pressure. In turn, that raised blood pressure causes damage to delicate tissues throughout the body, such as those of the kidney and the brain. It is an important aspect of aging, a way in which…