VCAM1 and Hypertension: Furthermore, in hypertension peripheral inflammatory mediator proteins, such as TNFα or INF-γ, local mechanical stress and glial activation (see glial inflammation in arterial hypertension) together 1) promote the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, for example, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) or 2) promote endothelial cytokine secretion (e.g., IL-6), and 3) alter capillary endothelial K+ conductivity (39, 40).