| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Hypertension Research
A central focus of the Center for Molecular Physiology Research is the study of essential hypertension—or hypertension that occurs with no identified cause. Center investigators hope to better understand the genes and proteins that may contribute to this condition, which can lead to complications later in life if not countered with lifestyle changes at an early stage. Several research programs in hypertension are currently underway at Children’s National Medical Center.
Adult-onset Hypertension Induced by Fluid and Electrolyte
Disorders of Childhood
Patricio Ray, MD, Robert Parrott Professor of Pediatrics, is testing the hypothesis that some forms of adult-onset essential hypertension may be caused by electrolyte disorders during childhood. He studies the chronic effects of potassium, chloride, and sodium deprivation in developing rodent kidneys. Dr. Ray hypothesizes that these electrolyte disorders induce silent and progressive injuries to the kidneys’ structure, which can lead to tubul-interstitial disorders, salt wasting, or salt-sensitive hypertension. In collaboration with Georgetown University, researchers also test the hypothesis that a specific protein, named BP-1, induces hypertension in mice. Kitman Wai, MD, a clinical fellow in pediatric intensive care, explores how sepsis-induced fluid-electrolyte disorders, hypotension, and vascular leakage induce acute kidney injury in critically-ill children. Dr. Ray also explore how hypertension can be induced by chronic potassium deprivation in animal models, similar to the renal disorders that can occur in children with long term low levels of potassium.
|
|
|
|
|
|
