14 DAY TRIAL // One of the main factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases is high blood pressure. Researchers know that excessive salt intake can cause this condition, but not all types of high blood pressure can be accounted for by consuming a lot of salt. A new study looks into this mystery.
Scientists have been trying to find out where certain forms of high blood pressure (HBP) come from, and a team of experts at the Vanderbilt University and the University of Erlangen recently figured out that the immune system and the skin play a role in controlling the salt balance and hypertension.
In other words, the amount of water present in the body – largely dictated by how the kidneys operate – is very important for controlling blood pressure. If more water is retained, then blood pressure will decrease. Conversely, eliminating a lot of water will elevate blood pressure.
This feedback mechanism goes a long way towards explaining those cases of hypertension that occur in individuals who do not usually consume a lot of salt. The findings were detailed at a symposium held in Berlin, Germany on September 7.
Furthermore, researchers determined that the skin and immune system are involved in controlling blood pressure as well. The investigation was led by Vanderbilt University professor Jens Titze.
Apparently, he explains, the connective tissue of the skin can store salt, meaning that the body can access it even at times when individuals do not consume the stuff, e! Science News reports.
“The sodium concentration can be higher in the skin than in blood. This means that not only the kidney regulates sodium balance but that there must be additional mechanisms,” he explains.
The study also revealed that immune system cells called macrophages can identify these excessive salt deposits in the skin. They activate a gene which then produces a chemical that promotes the growth of lymphatic vessels. These then transport all the sodium in the body, for use.
When the team blocked this pathway in unsuspecting lab mice, they determined that hypertension occurred nearly immediately. This was interpreted as proof that the immune system is indeed responsible for controlling blood pressure.
“The immune cells apparently regulate salt balance and blood pressure. In addition, data from a first clinical study showed that large amounts of salt are stored in the skin of patients with high blood pressure,” Titze explains.