Suppression of Renal Sympathetic Activity with Potassium Supplement in DOCA-Salt Rats

Abstract

We studied the involvement of renal sympathetic nervous system activity in the antihypertensive and natriuretic effects of potassium supplement in DOCA-salt treated rats. Systolic blood pressure of DOGA-salt rats rose substantially, reaching 181 ± 3 mmHg after 4 weeks of DOCA-salt administration. In contrast, the supplement of 1% KC1 solution attenuated the development of the hypertension until the fourth week (120 ± 1 mmHg). After the 4-week treatments, renal norepinephrine turnover rate was calculated from the decline in specific activity after the injection of dl-3H-norepinephrine. It was markedly accelerated in DOCA-salt rats as compared to control rats. In contrast, 1% KC1 supplement significantly restored to normal the increased renal norepinephrine turnover rate in DOCA-salt rats. Taken together, evidence presented suggests that the normalization of the increased renal sympathetic tone may be involved in the natriuretic and antihypertensive effects of potassium supplement in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. © 1984, International Heart Journal Association. All rights reserved.