Enhanced Nitric Oxide Synthesis Reverses Salt-Induced Alterations in Blood Flow and Cgmp Levels

Abstract

To understand the role of nitric oxide in salt-induced hypertension, we evaluated cardiovascular, hemodynamic and biochemical parameters in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed low (0.3%) and high (8.0%) sodium diets. Two high salt groups received 1.25 and 2.5 g/L l-arginine in their drinking water. After three weeks of treatment, blood pressure was greater in the high salt groups. l-arginine did not modify salt-induced hypertension. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) caused a smaller depressor response compared to normotensive rats. The increase in

Key Words:

• Dahl rats
• blood pressure
• 1-arginine
• eicosapentaenoic acid
• blood flow
• cyclic GMP
• salt-sensitivity