The control of blood pressure is critical for maintaining cardiovascular health and ensuring organ perfusion. Blood pressure - the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels - is regulated by mechanisms involving the heart, blood vessels, hormones, and the nervous system. Baroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors located in the walls of large arteries, primarily the carotid sinus and aortic arch. They detect changes in blood pressure and transmit signals to the brainstem's cardiovascular control centre. When blood pressure increases, baroreceptors signal a decrease in heart rate and vasodilation, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Conversely, decreased blood pressure stimulates increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to elevate blood pressure. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormonal system that also plays a critical role in blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure falls, the kidneys release renin. Renin is a proteolytic enzyme that acts on angiotensinogen, a protein produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream. Renin cleaves a specific peptide bond within angiotensinogen, converting it into angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) further converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that raises blood pressure. It also stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and water retention, further contributing to elevated blood pressure. The sympathetic nervous system responds to stress and helps regulate blood pressure. When activated, it leads to vasoconstriction and an increased heart rate, both of which raise blood pressure. Chronic sympathetic activation due to stress or other factors can therefore contribute to hypertension. The parasympathetic nervous system, primarily via the vagus nerve, opposes the effects of the sympathetic system. It slows down the heart rate and promotes vasodilation, helping to reduce blood pressure. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is released by the atria of the heart in response to increased blood volume and pressure. It promotes vasodilation and reduces sodium and water retention by the kidneys, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. The kidneys play a key role in long-term blood pressure regulation through the control of fluid and electrolyte balance. They adjust blood volume and pressure by altering the amount of sodium and water excreted in the urine. The endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, also plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. It releases nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator, which relaxes smooth muscle cells within blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Endothelial dysfunction, seen in conditions like atherosclerosis, can impair this vasodilatory function. Finally, other hormones, such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also known as Vasopressin) and endothelin also influence blood pressure. ADH, released by the pituitary gland, promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased blood volume and subsequent pressure. Endothelin is a peptide produced by the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. It is a powerful vasoconstrictor that can increase blood pressure by causing blood vessels to constrict. Maintaining optimal blood pressure is crucial for cardiovascular health and the prevention of conditions like hypertension, and atherosclerosis. We provide a wide product range of research tools for studying blood pressure regulation, including Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 antibodies, MRP1 antibodies, Urotensin II antibodies, Angiotensinogen ELISA Kits, and Angiotensin II ELISA Kits. Explore our full blood pressure regulation product range below and discover more, for less.