Simvastatin induces a central hypotensive effect via Ras-mediated signalling to cause eNOS up-regulation.

Background And Purpose: Clinical studies indicate that statins have a BP-lowering effect in hypercholesterolemic individuals with hypertension. Specifically, statins modulate BP through the up-regulation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) activation in the brain. However, the signalling mechanisms through which statins enhance eNOS activation remain unclear.