Effects of Ketanserin on Systemic and Regional Haemodynamics in Patients with Essential Hypertension

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) has long been studied as a potent vasoactive agent. Because of its multiple and complex action on the cardiovascular system, however, its role in the pathogenesis and/ or maintenance of human essential hypertension has been controversial (Vanhoutte 1983). Recently, the first relatively specific Srserotonergic antagonist, ketanserin, has been introduced (Vanhoutte et at. 1983); it lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients (Fagard et at. 1984; Van Nueten et at. 1987; Wenting et at. 1982, 1984; Woittiez et at. 1986). This antihypertensive effect of ketanserin may suggest a close relationship between serotonin and increased vascular resistance in essential hypertension, but its precise mode of action remains unclear (Robertson et at. 1987). Therefore, to clarify the role of serotonin in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension, the effects of ketanserin on systemic and regional circulation were investigated in 10 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.