Serum aldosterone regulation, blood pressure response to high salt intake and renal function and structure in adult female offspring are modified by salt overload during pregnancy

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of high salt intake during pregnancy on blood pressure (BP), renal function and structure and serum aldosterone levels in adult female offspring (off).MethodsFemale Wistar rats were fed normal (NS, 1.3%) or high (HS, 8% NaCl) salt diet during pregnancy. During lactation all dams received NS as well as the off from weaning until the 21st week of age. Starting on the 21st week of age, 50% of each off group was fed high (hs, 4% NaCl) salt diet during 15 weeks.Results (mean ± SEM, p<0.05, n=5‐8/groups)Tail‐cuff BP (TcBP, mmHg) was not different between HS (109±5) and NS (105±2) off groups. However, TcBP was higher in HShs (117±4) compared to NShs (106±2). Kidney weight (g/kg) was higher in HShs (3.7±0.1) compared to HS (3.3±0.1) but not in NShs (3.5±0.1) compared to NS (3.4±0.1). Twenty‐four hour urinary protein excretion (mg/100g/day) was higher in HShs (0.9±0.1) compared to HS (0.5±0.05) but not in NShs (0.7±0.03) compared to NS (0.6±0.09). Serum aldosterone (pg/ml) was lower in NShs (824±62) compared to NS (1128±11) but was not different between HShs (919±60) and HS (988±172) off groups.ConclusionsHS during pregnancy is associated with BP and renal abnormalities in adult female off. Adult off from HS dams are hyperresponsive to salt overload possibly due to an alteration of the regulation of serum aldosterone.Supported by CNPq.