A surprising new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has revealed that the skin may play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and heart rate. While the discovery was made in mice, scientists believe the findings could have significant implications for human health. The study, published in the journal eLife, suggests that the skin’s response to environmental oxygen levels could influence cardiovascular function.
Skin’s Unexpected Link to Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, yet in most cases, its exact cause remains unknown. Previous research has shown that reduced blood flow through small blood vessels in the body, including the skin, is often linked to hypertension. However, until now, most studies have focused on major organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys, leaving the role of the skin largely unexplored.
To investigate this further, researchers studied genetically modified mice that lacked specific HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) proteins in their skin. HIF proteins help regulate the body’s response to low oxygen levels, which can occur due to high altitudes, pollution, smoking, or obesity. The scientists exposed these mice to low-oxygen conditions and monitored their cardiovascular responses.
How the Skin Influences Heart Function
The study found that mice missing specific HIF proteins in their skin had altered responses to low oxygen levels. Compared to normal mice, these genetically modified mice showed significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and activity levels. Additionally, even in normal mice, the response to oxygen deprivation was more complex than previously believed.
Blood pressure and heart rate increased in the first ten minutes of exposure to low oxygen. A drop followed this in both measures for up to 36 hours before eventually returning to normal after 48 hours. However, this process was altered in mice lacking key HIF proteins, suggesting that the skin plays a vital role in regulating cardiovascular function during oxygen deprivation.
Potential Implications for Hypertension Research
The findings suggest that the skin’s ability to sense and respond to oxygen levels could significantly affect heart health. Dr. Andrew Cowburn, the study’s first author, emphasized the importance of understanding these mechanisms. “Low oxygen levels—temporary or sustained—are common daily and can be linked to environmental factors, smoking, or obesity. Our study helps shed light on how the body’s response to these conditions may contribute to high blood pressure.”
Professor Randall Johnson, senior author of the study, noted that while it may seem surprising that the skin plays such a significant role, it makes sense given that it is the body’s largest organ. “This research suggests we may need to broaden our understanding of how other organs and tissues contribute to blood pressure regulation,” he added.
The study, funded by Wellcome, opens the door for further research into the relationship between the skin and cardiovascular health. Scientists hope these findings will lead to new insights into hypertension and potential new treatment approaches.
References: Andrew S Cowburn, David Macias, Charlotte Summers, Edwin R Chilvers, Randall S Johnson. Cardiovascular adaptation to hypoxia and the role of peripheral resistance. eLife, 2017
