Antibodies in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension

It has long been known that circulating levels of IgG and IgM antibodies are elevated in patients with essential and pregnancy-related hypertension. Recent studies indicate these antibodies target, and in many cases activate, G-protein coupled receptors and ion channels. Prominent among these protein targets are AT1 receptors, α1-adrenoceptors, β1-adrenoceptors, and L-type voltage operated Ca2