The Role of Natriuretic Agents In the Mechanism of Hypertension in the Dahl Strain of Salt-Sensitive and Salt-Resistant Rats
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that elevated salt intake and altered levels of two agents, namely: 1) a ouabain-like humoral factor (OLHF) and 2) Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) may be involved in the pathogenesis of volume-dependent hypertension. OLHF, by inhibiting Na+ - K+ pump activity in cardiovascular muscle cells, stimulates the cardiovascular system, and is therefore pro-hypertensive. ANF produces natriuresis, diuresis and antagonizes vasoconstrictors, and is therefore anti-hypertensive. In the present study, I examined whether the levels of these agents were altered in hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats. DS and Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats were fed high (8.0%) salt (HS) or low (0.4%) salt (LS) diets for six weeks. Only DS rats on HS (DSHS) developed hypertension. DS rats on LS (DSLs) and DR rats on HS (DRHS) and LS (DRLS) remained normotensive. At the end of this dietary regimen, blood and atria were collected for measurement of OLHF and ANF respectively. Inhibition of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake (a measure of Na+ - K+ pump activity) in tail arteries of normal rats, when exposed to plasma supernates from Dahl rats, was used as an assay for OLHF. ANF in atrial tissue extracts (AE) from Dahl rats was evaluated by bioassay in normal rats, and by radioimmunoassay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 02, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA634085
Entities
People
- William T. Link
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences