The New England journal of medicine
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Weight gain and weight loss are associated with changes in blood pressure through unknown mechanisms. Central melanocortinergic signaling is implicated in the control of energy balance and blood pressure in rodents, but there is no information regarding such an association with blood pressure in humans. ⋯ Results of our genetic and pharmacologic studies implicate melanocortinergic signaling in the control of human blood pressure through an insulin-independent mechanism.