The Role of Y Chromosome Lineage and COX Inhibition in Immune-Mediated Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction

Using a unique genetic model, we explored the role of Y chromosome lineage in blood pressure regulation and vascular function. We found that replacement of the Y chromosome of a hypertensive rat with that of a normotensive rat improved vascular function through reducing vascular immune cell infiltration. These infiltrating immune cells were found to impair vascular function through inducing the release of contractile cyclo-oxygenase (COX) factors from vessels. Interestingly however, systemic COX inhibition with aspirin treatment in hypertensive rats worsened immune cell infiltration, indicating the local vascular effects of COX inhibition are different to the effects of systemic COX inhibition.