Myocardial hypertrophy induced by high salt consumption is prevented by angiotensin II AT2 receptor agonist.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although many studies have reported the effects of AT1 receptor on dietary salt overload, the role of AT2 receptor in this model is far from completely elucidated. The present study aimed to better understand the role of AT2 receptor in cardiac structure alterations in response to chronic high salt intake in rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Wistar rats were fed a normal or high salt diet from weaning until 18 weeks of age. Both groups were subdivided into two groups. Starting at 7 weeks of age, rats were treated with or without compound 21 (0.3 mg/kg/day, n = 16), an AT2 receptor agonist. Metabolics and structural parameters were measured. BP, transverse cardiomyocyte and intersticial fibrose was higher in animals fed with high salt diet compared with normal salt fed animals.

CONCLUSION: Compound 21 prevented the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, reduced the increase in blood pressure and prevented the lower weight gain in animals fed a high salt diet.