Fructose-induced hypertension in rats is concentration- and duration-dependent

The present study determined the most suitable concentration and duration of fructose treatment for inducing hypertension in Wistar rats. The correlation between fructose-induced hypertension and hyperinsulinemia was also evaluated. The rats were treated with 5%, 10%, or 20% fructose in drinking water. The greatest changes, including increases in blood pressure, fluid intake, and plasma levels of insulin, glucose, and triglycerides, and a decrease in food intake following fructose treatment, were observed with the 10% solution. The times of the onset and maximum response differed for the various parameters measured. The increase in blood pressure occurred earlier than the increase in the plasma insulin level. All abnormalities disappeared rapidly after fructose withdrawal. There was no significant correlation between plasma insulin level and systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, treatment with 10% fructose in drinking water (equivalent to a diet containing 48-57% fructose) for one week or longer is appropriate for the rapid production of fructose-induced hypertension in Wistar rats, which is associated with elevated levels of plasma insulin, glucose, and triglycerides.