Study of Inherited Changes of Receptors Located on Blood Vessels
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2003-04-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The renin angiotensin system is a complex process involving hormones and enzymes that
regulate blood volume and blood pressure. The hormone angiotensin II is responsible for
making blood vessels narrow or constrict. Angiotensin II is found in the blood and can attach
to special sites called receptors on blood vessel walls. These receptors are programmed to
accept angiotensin II and cause a constriction of the blood vessel. This function is found in
the genetic information of each individual person.
Occasionally patients have changes in their genes related to angiotensin II receptors. These
changes may result in the receptors acting differently to angiotensin II, which may affect
the function of blood vessels.
This study is designed to improve researchers understanding of the physiological effects on
blood vessels associated with mutations of the genes responsible for angiotensin II receptor
function.