Renal disease and the development of hypertension in salt-sensitive Dahl rats

To elucidate the role of the kidneys in the development of hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (S), as compared to resistant (R) rats of the JR strain, we analyzed functional and morphological changes before and after the administration of an 8% NaCl diet and the onset of hypertension. The diet was begun at six weeks of age and was continued until 12 weeks of age. At six weeks, blood pressure was not different between S and R rats. Hypertension occurred in S rats receiving the 8% NaCl diet at week 8, and in S rats receiving 0.9% NaCl at week 10. Albuminuria and proteinuria were found in S rats prior to the 8% NaCl diet and progressed regardless of diet. Electron microscopy of glomeruli revealed segmental loss of epithelial foot processes in S rats at six weeks prior to the 8% NaCl diet. Mesangial widening, arteriolar myo-intimal cell hyperplasia and interstitial fibrosis occurred in all S rats. Inulin and PAH clearances in S rats decreased with time, the changes being accelerated by the 8% NaCl diet. Micropuncture of S and R rats prior to the 8% NaCl diet revealed no glomerular hypertension in S rats. The number of glomeruli in S and R rats were not different. We conclude that prehypertensive S rats of the JR strain already have albuminuric glomerular disease not associated with reduced number of glomeruli or glomerular hypertension. The renal pathology is accelerated once hypertension develops. A lower NaCl intake delays, but does not prevent renal disease in S rats.