The Physiology of T-cell in the Development of Hypertension: A Review

Abstract

T-cells have been shown to play a role in the development of hypertension but the subset of T-cells involved has not been fully elucidated. Also, there is a global rise in the incidence of hypertension mostly among the young populace. Majority of these cases are not secondary hypertension. This has posed concerns on the ideal aetiology of its development and progression. The place of immune deregulation has been scrutinized greatly. Current evidence has shown that inflammation and adaptive immunity play a role in the development of hypertension. Angiotensin II mediated hypertension has been shown to involve inflammatory mechanisms in the peripheral vessels, the kidneys and CNS. End organ lymphocyte infiltration is believed to be a part to the development of hypertension. Recent studies demonstrated the role of central nervous system and subfornical organs in the evolution and maintenance of angiotensin II–dependent hypertension which is associated with peripheral activation of lymphocytes and tissue inversion.