Abstract

Introduction

Materials & Methods

Results

Discussion & Conclusion

References

Discussion
Board

The cellular basis for the remodelling of the resistance vasculature in hypertension can provide important information regarding the type of treatment which is appropriate for obtaining full regression of structural abnormalities. Present evidence indicates that vascular structural abnormalities in small resistance arteries of patients with essential hypertension are, in general, characterized by inward eutrophic remodelling (i.e a rearrangement of otherwise normal material around a narrowed lumen) (1).

Furthermore, there is no difference in the smooth muscle cell volume between normotensive subjects and essential hypertensive patients (2). In contrast, experimental models of hypertension with high circulating renin are characterized by the presence of smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and vascular growth (3). Vascular growth (as evaluated by the remodelling and growth indexes) is also seen in patients with renovascular hypertension (4), but the cellular basis for this alteration (increased smooth muscle cell number or volume) is not known. The aim of the present study was to investigate at the cellular level the structural characteristics of subcutaneous small resistance arteries of normotensive subjects and of patients with renovascular hypertension by an unbiased stereological principle (the "disector") (5).

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