Rho-Kinase activity and cutaneous vasoconstriction is upregulated in essential hypertensive humans

► ROCK and adrenergically-mediated VC were examined in hypertensive human cutaneous circulation. ► ROCK and adrenergic VC were upregulated in HT vs. NT despite a similar magnitude of VC. ► ROCK activity but not expression was increased in skin samples from hypertensives. ► ROCK contributes to cutaneous microvascular dysfunction in early stage essential hypertension.