[Insulin sensitizer and hypertension].
Insulin resistance syndrome is the theory that glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, increased very low density lipoprotein triglyceride level, decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and hypertension are proposed consequences of insulin resistance. In this theory, insulin resistance and the resultant hyperinsulinemia are considered to raise blood pressure through 1) sympathetic nervous system activation, 2) renal sodium retention, 3) renin-angiotensin system stimulation, and 4) intracellular calcium accumulation in vascular smooth muscle. Indeed, metabolic disturbance and insulin resistance have been pointed out in essential hypertensives. The effect of insulin sensitizer on blood pressure have been investigated in human and animal experiments. It has been clarified that troglitazone reduces blood pressure in essential hypertensives and fructose fed rats. However, it has also been reported that troglitazone did not lower blood pressure in SHR and fructose fed rats. Further study will be necessary to clarify the effects of insulin sensitizer on blood pressure.