Some of the leading scientists in the field of hypertension accepted an invi tation to actively participate in an international symposium on primary hypertension. Scientists from 13 countries - from western, southern, and eastern Europe, Australia, and the United States - were present. The meeting was held in Cologne in March 1985. After previous meetings and workshops at Titisee in the Black Forest and several symposia on the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system here in Cologne, this symposium on prima ry hypertension was organized in order to induce and to stimulate critical discussion on the basic pathogenetic mechanisms involved and the recently established therapeutic implications. Numerous studies have been based on the concept that the elevation in blood pressure is mediated by several vasopressor substances. For this reason the renin-angiotensin system has been considered to be the essential endocrine mechanism involved in developing and sustaining arterial hyper tension. Other vasopressor factors, such as catecholamines, vasopressin, and serotonin, have been studied extensively and were assumed to play additional parts in blood pressure regulation. However, several other ap proaches have been initiated in recent years.

Critical Review of Pathogenesis of Primary Hypertension

Sodium Chloride and Blood Pressure
Non-Modulating Essential Hypertension: A Subset with Sodium Sensitivity
Vasodepressor Hormones (Kinins) in Blood Pressure Regulation
Peripheral Adrenergic Mechanisms in Primary Hypertension
Neural Transmitters and Central Mechanisms in Primary Hypertension
Brain Peptides in Cardiovascular Regulation
Critical Evaluation of Basic Mechanisms of Primary Hypertension. Round Table Discussion
Principal Objectives of Antihypertensive Treatment
Treatment of Vascular Damage in Experimental Malignant Hypertension with Nifedipine and Its Calcium-Antagonistic Dihydropyridine Derivatives
Trends in Arteriosclerosis in Treated and Untreated Hypertensive Patients
Changes in Brain Blood Flow and Organ Function Following Treatment of Primary Hypertension
Changes in Hypertrophy by Treatment in Hypertension: Results of Experimental Research
Reversal of Left Ventricular and Coronary Hypertrophy Following Antihypertensive Treatment
The Use of the Dynamic Spatial Reconstructor to Study Renal Function
Critical Review of Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy
Cardiovascular Intervention Studies: Problems and Perspectives
Indications for Antihypertensive Treatment
Rationale for Established Antihypertensive Treatment
Calcium Channel Blockers in the Treatment of Hypertension
Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in the Treatment of Hypertension and of Cardiac Failure
Serotonin, Serotonergic Antagonists, and Hypertension
Critical Evaluation of Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy. Round Table Discussion.