Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Evaluation of Vascular Control Mechanisms Utilizing Video Microscopy of Isolated Resistance Arteries of Rats
Published on: December 5, 2017
Activation of the intestinal tissue renin-angiotensin system by transient sodium loading in salt-sensitive rats
Masaki Ryuzaki1, Kazutoshi Miyashita, Masaaki Sato
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
Background:
The renal tissue renin-angiotensin system is known to be activated by salt loading in salt-sensitive rats; however, the response in other organs remains unclear.
Method:
Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to normal tap water or transient high-salt-concentration water from 6 to 14 weeks of age and were thereafter given normal tap water. From 18 to 20 weeks of age, rats given water with a high salt concentration were treated with an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, valsartan.
Results:
Sustained blood pressure elevation by transient salt loading coincided with a persistent decrease in the fecal sodium content and sustained excess of the circulating volume in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Administration of valsartan sustainably reduced the blood pressure and normalized the fecal sodium levels. Notably, transient salt loading persistently induced the intestinal tissue renin-angiotensin system and enhanced sodium transporter expression exclusively in the small intestine of salt-sensitive rats, suggesting the potential connection of intestinal sodium absorption to salt sensitivity.
Conclusion:
These results reveal the previously unappreciated contribution of the intestinal tissue renin-angiotensin system to sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation in the pathophysiology of salt-sensitive hypertension.
More Related Videos
07:51Mesenteric Artery Contraction and Relaxation Studies Using Automated Wire Myography
Published on: September 22, 2011
11:08Novel Approach for Simultaneous Recording of Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Blood Pressure with Intravenous Infusion in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice.
Published on: February 14, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology