[Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-gamma and hypertension: lessons of the history of researches].

The paper analyzes data from the clinical use of thiazolidinediones, human genetic observations and experiments with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-gamma) gene removal, and also those on the role of PPAR-alpha and -gamma in the function of the vascular endothelium, sympathetic autonomic nervous system, and renal sodium reabsorption. It is concluded that the tonic activity of PPAR is a universal protective mechanism counteracting the development of hypertension.