TRPC3 and TRPC6 Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Hypertension

Abstract

Recently studies found that TRPC3 and TRPC6 played an important role in cardiovascular disease. Hypertension, as a cardiovascular disease causing the highest morbidity and mortality, has close relationship with the expressions of TRPC3 and TRPC6. Unbalanced calcium homeostasis is the major factor of pathogenesis of hypertension. Changes of intracellular calcium concentration depend on calcium transmembrane transportation, intracellular calcium store releasing and other processes. TRPC3, TRPC6 molecules, as non-selective cation channels on the cell membranes, are involved in the processes. This review illustrated the functions of TRPC3 and TRPC6 on myocardial cells, smooth muscle cells and inflammatory cells in the development of hypertension, and the effects of drugs like sildenafil to provide a new way for the prevention and treatment of hypertension.