Novel mechanisms contributing to cerebral vascular dysfunction during chronic hypertension

Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for numerous cardiovascular disorders and is strongly associated with stroke. Hypertension alters cerebral vascular structure and may have profound deleterious effects on cerebral vascular function, the underlying mechanisms of which are still not well understood. Recent findings have led to important developments in our understanding of novel areas of cerebral vascular biology. This review briefly examines new evidence for physiologic and pathologic roles of K(+) channels, the renin-angiotensin system and reactive oxygen species, and Rho and Rho-kinase in regulation of cerebral vascular tone.