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Lymphangiogenesis in response to osmotically inactive Na+ storage in the skin

Subject Area Nephrology
Term from 2009 to 2013
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 74851516
 
Final Report Year 2013

Final Report Abstract

We have demonstrated that the skin interstitium sequesters excess Na+ and Cl‐ in salt‐ sensitive hypertension. Mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) cells are recruited to the skin, sense the hypertonic electrolyte accumulation in skin, and enhance electrolyte clearance via cutaneous lymph vessels by secreting vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C). First, we show that deletion of tonicity‐enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) in MPS cells prevents the cutaneous lymph capillary response and increases blood pressure. This finding defines “homeostatic immune function” as a process by which immune cells regulate local tissue electrolyte homeostasis and systemic blood pressure. Second, we show that pharmacological blockade of this immune‐cell driven lymph capillary response leads to salt‐sensitive hypertension, defining “lymphatic regulation of blood pressure”. Third, we show that skin‐specific depletion of immune‐cell derived VEGF‐C leads to skin electrolyte accumulation and blood pressure increase. This finding supports the idea that besides renal mechanisms, immune‐driven extrarenal regulatory mechanisms for electrolyte homeostasis are important for systemic blood pressure control. The emerging concept of Na+ storage opens new questions for basic researchers and clinician‐scientists. Some straightforward clinical questions are whether humans with increased Na+ storage are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease and whether tissue Na+ content can be modified by life‐style changes or medical treatment. To address this question, we have implemented 23NaMRI technology to quantitatively and non‐invasively visualize Na+ reservoirs in humans. Seeing the Na+ in humans is a new conceptual approach to provide answers.

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