CD4 T Cell-Specific Proteomic Pathways Identified in Progression of Hypertension Across Postmenopausal Transition.

Background Menopause is associated with an increase in the prevalence and severity of hypertension in women. Although premenopausal females are protected against T cell-dependent immune activation and development of angiotensin II (Ang II) hypertension, this protection is lost in postmenopausal females. Therefore, the current study hypothesized that specific CD4 T cell pathways are regulated by sex hormones and Ang II to mediate progression from premenopausal protection to postmenopausal hypertension.

Menopause and FOXP3 Treg cell depletion eliminate female protection against T cell-mediated angiotensin II hypertension.

Although it is known that the prevalence and severity of hypertension increases in women after menopause, the contribution of T cells to this process has not been explored. Although the immune system is both necessary and required for the development of angiotensin II (ANG II) hypertension in men, we have demonstrated that premenopausal women are protected from T cell-mediated hypertension. The goal of the current study was to test the hypotheses that ) female protection against T cell-mediated ANG II hypertension is eliminated following progression into menopause and ) T regulatory cells (Tregs) provide premenopausal protection against ANG II-induced hypertension.