Study of changes of plasma endothelin, nitric oxide and neuropeptide Y in elderly non-dipper hypertensive patients and influence of amlodipine on these indexes

Objective:To investigate the changes of plasma endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO), neuropeptide(NPY) and angiotension Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) levels in elderly non dipper hypertension patients before and after amlodipine therapy.Method:There were 42 elderly patients with non dipper hypertensive. Before and after amlodipine therapy, the serum ET, NO, NPY and Ang Ⅱ levels were tested.Result: ET, NPY and Ang Ⅱ levels were higher in non dippers than those in dippers, NO level was lower in both groups.Amlodipine could significantly lower systolic Bp, but had a little effect on noctural dBp. The plasma ET and NPY levels were decreased after treatmeat in non dipper group. NO level was increased markedly and there was no significant change of AngⅡ after amlodipine.Conclusion:ET, NO, NPY and Ang Ⅱ might be involved in the mechanism of non dipper hypertension in elderly, and amlodipine seems to be an effective drug for elderly non dippers.