Salt Water Promotes Hypertension in Dahl-S Rats

Hypertension was induced in Dahl-salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats by administering salt in drinking water. Control rats receiving tap water did not show a significant change in blood pressure or abnormalities in the kidney. Rats receiving 0.5% NaCl solution developed moderate hypertension and renal lesions. Rats receiving 1.0% NaCl solution showed prominent and increasing hypertension and severe renal damage. This method of salt administration should be simpler than administration in the diet as a means of promoting renal hypertension. The lower concentration salt water caused chronic mild hypertension in Dahl-S rats, and may serve as a useful model for progressive hypertension.