[Trace elements and blood pressure regulation].

Essential trace elements such as copper, zinc and selenium participate in various enzyme reactions necessary for antioxidant defense system of cells. It is not clear whether metabolism of these trace elements and related enzymes are specifically altered in hypertensive animals or humans. As endothelium-derived nitric oxide is inactivated by free radicals, oxidative stress is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of various vascular diseases including certain type(s) of arterial hypertension. The present review focuses on biological activity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide and trace elements and discusses the pathophysiological implications of trace elements for hypertension.