Interrelationships Between Plasma Corticosterone and Dietary Sodium in Experimental Hypertension

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Abstract
Plasma levels of corticosterone and systolic blood pressures were determined in groups of 50 bilaterally adrenalectomized uninephrectomized rats given graded doses (0.625–2.5 mg/100 g body wt/12 hr) of corticosterone subcutaneously over a 30-day period. Diets with either 2.5% or 5% NaCl were offered to the rats and the food consumption was measured. A minimal plasma level of 25 μg corticosterone/100 ml, obtained with 0.625 mg dosage, was found necessary for elevation of the systolic blood pressure into the hypertensive range. At this level, hypertension was independent of the NaCl intake, although dietary salt was necessary. At plasma levels of corticosterone above 40 Mg/100 ml, the rats fed 5 % NaCl had a higher mean systolic blood pressure than those on a diet containing 2.5 % NaCl.