Animals Research at UBC

Snakes solve blood pressure mysteries

Snakes solve blood pressure mysteries

Images courtesy Understanding Animal Research /Wellcome Images.
Disclaimer: Images do not depict UBC research animals.

By studying the venom of the Brazilian pit viper, researchers were able to develop the first of a new class of medicines to lower blood pressure.

People bitten by poisonous snakes collapse because of a sudden drop in blood pressure. Scientists began investigating how the viper venom reduced blood pressure, aiming to use this information to help patients with high blood pressure.

The Nobel Prize-winning research yielded a new class of medicines to lower blood pressure – angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The inhibitors prevent the formation of the naturally occurring substance angiotensin, which raises blood pressure.

Further research in rats and dogs proved the effectiveness and safety of the new medicines, allowing human clinical trials to be conducted. The drugs help millions of patients control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure affects one in five Canadians. It is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.

a place of mind, The University of British Columbia

 

Animal Research
E-mail: research.info@ubc.ca

Emergency Procedures | Accessibility | Contact UBC | © Copyright The University of British Columbia