Briefly in the news

-- Deirdre Newman

Researchers at UC Irvine have made a discovery that may help new drugs

treat strokes and other brain injuries caused by high blood pressure.

Sue Duckles, a pharmacology professor, and her colleagues found a

specific receptor for the sex hormone estrogen in the brain that helps

regulate pressure and blood flow there.

“This receptor could help explain why women have fewer strokes than

men before they reach menopause,” Duckles said.

Blood pressure is a major risk factor in stroke and other

cardiovascular disease.

The team is now exploring other enzymes and genes that may control

blood pressure.