High NaCl intake decreases both flow-induced dilation and pressure-induced myogenic tone in resistance arteries from normotensive rats: involvement of cyclooxygenase-2.

The effect of high NaCl diet on resistance arteries is not yet fully documented. In order to assess the effect of NaCl on myogenic tone and flow-induced dilation independent of arterial blood pressure change, we used normotensive rats which did not develop hypertension upon high NaCl intake. Normotensive Wistar Kyoto Rats received a high (8%) or a normal NaCl diet (0.4%). Mesenteric resistance arteries (150 microm, internal diameter) were cannulated in an arteriograph to allow perfusion of arteries under controlled pressure and flow. Pressure-induced myogenic tone was lower in the high NaCl group than in the control group. Cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin and (N-(2-cyclohexyloxy)-4-nitro-phenyl)-methanesulphonamide, 1 micromol/l) NS 398 (specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) similarly decreased myogenic tone in rats fed high NaCl but had no effect in those fed a normal NaCl diet. Flow-induced dilation was decreased in the high NaCl group. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester decreased flow-induced dilation in both groups. Indomethacin and NS 398 did not change flow-induced dilation. As shown by immunofluorescence COX-2 was present in the endothelium of arteries from rats with a high NaCl diet but not in those fed a normal NaCl diet. Thus, chronic high NaCl intake decreased both flow-induced dilation and myogenic tone in resistance arteries. The chronic high NaCl did not affect the participation of nitric oxide on flow-induced dilation, but induced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, which participates in myogenic tone. These results suggest that high NaCl changes flow and pressure mechanosensing processes and strengthen the hypothesis that sodium ions have an important role in both pressure and flow-mechanotransduction in vascular cells.