Renin-angiotensin system function and blood pressure in adult rats after perinatal salt overload

• Published in: Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases, 2003-06, Vol.13 (3), p.133-139
• Main Authors: Alves da Silva, A., de Noronha, I.L., de Oliveira, I.B., Malheiros, D.M.C., Heimann, J.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiotensin II - analysis; Animals; Animals, Newborn - physiology; Blood pressure; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Blood Pressure - physiology; Body Weight - drug effects; Body Weight - physiology; Female; hypertension; Hypertension - physiopathology; Immunohistochemistry; Kidney - chemistry; Kidney - pathology; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Renin - blood; renin angiotensin system; Renin-Angiotensin System - drug effects; Renin-Angiotensin System - physiology; salt; sodium; Sodium Chloride, Dietary - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 0939-4753; 1590-3729
• DOI: 10.1016/S0939-4753(03)80172-2

Abstract To study the influence of high salt intake during pregnancy and lactation on body weight, blood pressure, and the function of the renin-angiotensin system in adult rats. Female Wistar rats received a low (0.15 NaCl), normal (1.30), or high (8% diet) salt diet. Mating occurred on the 12 th week of age. From weaning, the offspring received normal salt diet. Weekly tail-cuff blood pressure and body weight measurements were performed during pregnancy and in the offspring (body weight since weaning and tail-cuff blood pressure between the 8 th and the 12 th week of age). Salt sensitivity of the blood pressure was evaluated and plasma renin activity determinations were performed in the 12-week-old offspring. Immunohistochemistry for renal angiotensin II was performed in the adult offspring. Renal mass and the number of glomeruli were determined. Tail-cuff blood pressure was higher in salt overloaded dams than in normal and low salt ones. In the adult offspring from the high salt dams, lower body weight, higher tail-cuff blood pressure, lower salt sensitivity in females, and increased kidney angiotensin II were observed. Plasma renin activity did not change with changes in salt intake in the adult offspring submitted to high salt environment during the perinatal period. In the offspring, renal mass and the number of glomeruli were not influenced by the dams' salt intake. Salt overload during pregnancy and/or lactation has long-term effects of offspring's body weight and blood pressure. In addition, high salt diet during the perinatal period induced renin-angiotensin system functional disturbances in the offspring.