Pathophysiological Roles of Endothelin-1 in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

The purpose of the present experiment was to study the pathophysiological roles of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in salt-sensitive hypertension with the use of Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) rats. PreproET-1 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In the kidney, expression of preproET-1 mRNA was greater in DS rats on a normal salt diet compared with DR rats of the same age. In DS rats, the level of preproET-1 mRNA expression in kidney had a significant correlation with systolic blood pressure. The expression of preproET-1 mRNA in aorta and kidney was increased by 3-week high salt intake in DS rats but not in DR rats. Expression of preproET-1 mRNA and ET-1 levels in left ventricle was exaggerated by high salt intake in DS rats. However, there was no significant difference in plasma ET-1 levels between DS and DR rats regardless of salt intake. Pressor response curves for ET-1 in DS rats with or without high salt intake were significantly shifted to the left compared with those in DR rats. A single oral dose (3 to 10 mg/kg) of J-104132 (L-753 037), a potent, orally active mixed endothelin A and B (ET(A)/ET(B)) receptor antagonist, reduced blood pressure to normotensive levels in DS rats with high salt intake, and its action was maintained for >/=24 hours. In DS rats with normal salt intake, J-104132 (10 mg/kg) slightly but significantly decreased blood pressure. DR rats did not show obvious depressor responses to J-104132 (10 mg/kg) regardless of salt intake. These results suggest that ET-1 acts as one of the pathophysiological factors in the development and maintenance of salt-sensitive hypertension, and a mixed ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist could be useful in the treatment for salt-sensitive hypertension.