Salt Life

The salt under your skin and blood pressure

Historically, hypertension research has focused on the kidney, blood vessels and the brain; however in 90% of the people, it is still not understood why blood pressure in these individuals is elevated. Researchers at Vanderbilt University decided to take a different approach.

 They have evidence that the skin stores sodium and that the immune system cells and lymph capillaries regulate sodium balance and blood pressure. Their work has shown that in mice, salt metabolism in the skin is important for systemic blood pressure control.

“In mice fed a high-salt diet, large amounts of salt accumulate in the skin. Immune system cells (mononuclear phagocyte system, MPS) sense the sodium accumulation and activate a protein called TONEBP. This protein increases expression of the growth factor VEGFC in immune cells, which builds cutaneous lymph vessel capacity and enhances sodium and chloride clearance” (SD, 2013).

There is still much research planned to find the impacts on humans and disease. To read a summary you can go to the science daily article listed below; or you can read the full study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2013 referenced below.

References:

Science Daily, 2013. Salt get Under  your skin. Online. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130603135314.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29 [Accessed on 06/04/2013].

Wigg, H,, Schroder, A., et. al., 2013. Immune cells control skin lymphatic electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure. Journal of Clinical Investigation.