Hypertension induced by prenatal glucocorticoid exposure: roles of cerebral and renal renin-angiotensin systems [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Miodrag Dodic (Principal investigator) ,  Marelyn Wintour-Coghlan ,  Megan Cock ,  Prof Roger Evans

Brief description High blood pressure is a major public health problem in Australia and other developed countries as it is a common risk factor for stroke, heart failure and kidney damage. At present, there is a great interest in the possibility that high blood pressure in adults can result from stresses experienced by the fetus before birth. However, it is not known how prenatal compromise could lead to high blood pressure. We have recently established an animal model (using sheep) in which brief exposure to glucocorticoids - known as stress hormones - administered to the mother during early gestation results in high blood pressure in the offspring in adulthood. Increased levels of these hormones could occur in women at times when many may be unaware of their pregnancy (ie. smoking marijuana, chronic insomnia, accidents, loss of loved one, physical or mental stress or abuse). In addition, high doses of synthetic glucocorticoids might be given to pregnant patients for the treatment of asthma and acute migraine. The early origins of hypertension are of considerable importance to a large section of the community, namely the 25% who develop hypertension at the age 45 or over. If even a small proportion of hypertension can be prevented by reducing fetal exposure to excess glucocorticoids the impact on cardiovascular illness may be large. This research proposal has the potential to explain the basis for at least some of the 'essential' hypertension for which a mechanism has not been discovered after decades of research. This project will examine the separate roles of the kidney and brain, and in particular will determine whether permanent changes can be induced by exposure to stress hormones during early fetal life. Knowledge gained from this project could be used in devising strategies aimed at preventing or treating high blood pressure in adults.

Funding Amount $AUD 497,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant