Dahl salt-sensitive rats are protected against vascular defects related to diet-induced obesity.

ABSTRACT: Obesity increases plasma renin activity and angiotensin II levels, leading to vascular damage, elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and renal damage. Because genetic deletion of crucial parts of the renin-angiotensin system protect against obesity-related cardiovascular defects, we hypothesized that Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, a model of chronically low plasma renin activity and angiotensin II levels, would be protected against vascular defects during diet-induced obesity compared with SS.13(BN) consomic rats showing normal renin-angiotensin system regulation. We evaluated vascular function in middle cerebral arteries of SS or SS.13(BN) rats fed high-fat (45% kcal from fat) versus normal-fat diet for 15 to 20 weeks from weaning. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to ace

SUBMITTER: Beyer AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3444144 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature