High-salt diet promotes crystal deposition through hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rat model

Abstract

Objectives: To study the promotive effect of salt-induced hypertension on crystal deposition and urolithiasis using a salt-sensitive rat hypertension model.

Methods: Hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria were induced in male Dahl salt-sensitive rats with administration of ethylene glycol and alfacalcidol. Hypertension was induced by a high-salt diet. Eplerenone, a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, was given. Blood and urine were collected to evaluate renal function, electrolytes and the blood renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Renal calcium content was also evaluated. Histological examination, transcriptome analysis with DNA microarray and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were carried out.

Results: A high-salt diet increased crystal deposition in Dahl salt-sensitive rats with hypertension, and eplerenone administration significantly suppressed it. The mRNA expression profile was associated with crystal formation, growth, adhesion and cellular injury, and it was regulated in the group exposed to a high-salt diet and ethylene glycol.

Conclusions: A high-salt diet has a promotive effect on salt-sensitive hypertension and urolithiasis. This promotive effect can be prevented by eplerenone administration. Hence, salt-sensitive hypertension has promotive effects on crystal deposition in Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

Keywords: Dahl salt-sensitive rats; eplerenone; gene regulation; salt-sensitive hypertension; urolithiasis.