Hypertension, NaCl Aversion and Polydipsia in Rats

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The kidneys of young (10 weeks) and older (20 weeks) rats were bilaterally encapsulated with latex envelopes. Blood pressures, body weights and intakes of water, 0.15 M NaCl solution and food were measured for 2 weeks before and 29 weeks after operation. Both young and older rats developed the first significant elevation of blood pressure within 2-4 weeks after operation, at which time (4 weeks) water intakes also became elevated. A relative NaCl aversion developed in the young hypertensive rats 8 weeks after operation. At his time the blood pressure had attained its highest level. Older rats achieved a maximal elevation of blood pressure about 9 weeks after the operation although they never manifested a consistent NaCl aversion. Growth rates and food intakes of hypertensive rats in both age groups were similar to those of corresponding controls. Life span of the younger hypertensive rats was appreciably shortened while that of the older hypertensive rats was not.