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Salt loads raise plasma fatty acids and lower insulin
T L Goodfriend1, D L Ball, M H Weinberger
1William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Dietary salt intake influences fatty acid levels in the blood, impacting salt and water balance. Increased salt intake raises plasma fatty acids and lowers insulin, potentially aiding sodium excretion.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Fatty acids can inhibit angiotensin binding and aldosterone production.
- This suggests a role for fatty acids in regulating salt and water balance.
- The influence of salt intake on fatty acid regulation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of plasma unesterified fatty acids by salt intake.
- To examine the relationship between salt load, insulin, catecholamines, and aldosterone levels.
Main Methods:
- Measured unesterified fatty acids, insulin, and catecholamines in plasma from human subjects.
- Subjects underwent high salt diet or intravenous saline infusion.
- Aldosterone levels were measured post-saline infusion.
Main Results:
- Both high salt diet and saline infusion increased plasma unesterified fatty acids (60-100% and 33% respectively).
- Oleic and palmitoleic acids showed the largest increases.
- Plasma insulin levels decreased by approximately 50% with salt loads, while norepinephrine increased after saline infusion.
- Plasma fatty acid levels correlated inversely with aldosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Salt intake significantly affects plasma fatty acid levels.
- A rise in plasma fatty acids coupled with a fall in insulin may contribute to sodium excretion.
- Fatty acids may play a physiological role in regulating adrenal glomerulosa function and maintaining salt and water homeostasis.