Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have uncovered a link between a protein receptor involved in the sense of smell and the regulation of blood pressure, with notable differences observed between genders. The study’s insights are detailed in Science Advances.
Across both female mice and premenopausal women, diastolic and systolic blood pressure measurements tend to be lower by about ten points compared with their male counterparts. The researchers pursued an explanation for these sex-specific disparities. Through experiments conducted on laboratory mice, they identified a particular olfactory receptor, Olfr558, as a potential regulator of cardiovascular pressure in mice. This receptor ordinarily participates in detecting odors but appears to influence vascular function under certain conditions.
Olfr558 is expressed not only in cells dedicated to nasal odor recognition but also in other tissues, including the kidneys. The team observed that male mice with functioning Olfr558 exhibited higher blood pressure readings than female mice, suggesting a sex-linked component to how this receptor affects hemodynamics. These findings point to a complex interaction between sensory receptors and autonomic regulation of blood pressure, a field that holds promise for new therapeutic approaches.
Further experiments using young genetically modified mice demonstrated that removing the Olfr558 gene in female mice led to higher blood pressure, while in male mice the opposite effect occurred. Scientists note that the closest human equivalent to Olfr558 is OR51E1. In humans under age 50, carrying a genetic variant that reduces OR51E1 activity appears to lessen or negate the typical sex-related differences in blood pressure, suggesting a conserved biological mechanism that transcends species.
Looking ahead, researchers emphasize the need to uncover the precise pathways by which olfactory receptors influence vascular tone and blood pressure. Clarifying these mechanisms could illuminate new routes for diagnosing and managing hypertension, particularly in populations where sex-related patterns play a critical role. The research team anticipates a broader exploration of how sensory signaling interplays with cardiovascular regulation, potentially guiding novel prevention strategies and targeted therapies.
This line of inquiry underscores the importance of integrating genetic and physiological perspectives when assessing cardiovascular risk and tailoring interventions. As the science evolves, clinicians and researchers alike may gain clearer insights into how genetic variation in olfactory receptors contributes to blood pressure differences and hypertension risk across diverse groups.