Longterm consequences of renal denervation on kidney function

Recently, renal denervation (removing the renal nerves) has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for human resistant hypertension and is considered one of the most promising advances in the field of hypertension. However, the mechanisms mediating the sustained decrease in arterial pressure in response to RDN in humans are unknown. This study will be the first to comprehensively examine the effect of RDN in the long-term on arterial pressure and renal function in a rodent model of hypertension. This project will provide insight into the mechanisms by which RDN leads to a long-term reduction of blood pressure in humans and will also inform clinical practice by determining the safety of moving this therapy into other groups of patients (kidney disease, cardio-renal syndrome).