Decreased renal cytochrome P450 2C enzymes and impaired vasodilation are associated with angiotensin salt-sensitive hypertension.

Excess dietary salt intake differentially modulates the activity of cytochrome (CYP) P450 enzymes in kidney cortex. Exactly how increased angiotensin (Ang) II levels and hypertension change the regulatory effect of high salt on CYP450 enzymes remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of combined administration of Ang II and a high-salt diet on P450 epoxygenase and hydroxylase protein levels in kidney, as well as afferent arteriolar responses to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. High dietary salt administration for 14 days resulted in increased renal cortical CYP2C11 protein levels, and a significant increase of CYP2C11 and CYP2C23 protein levels in renal microvessels. Administration of Ang II in combination with a high-salt diet prevented the upregulation of renal cortical CYP2C11 protein expression observed with high dietary salt alone, and significantly downregulated expression of CYP2C11, CYP2C23, and CYP2J protein in renal microvessels. A high-salt diet alone decreased CYP4A protein in kidney cortex, and renal cortical CYP4A protein level remained at a low level in Ang II-infused rats treated with a high-salt diet. Increases in blood pressure during Ang II infusion were greater in rats fed a high-salt diet. In addition, afferent arteriolar responsiveness to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside was significantly attenuated in Ang II-treated rats versus controls. This decrease was significantly enhanced in Ang II-treated rats given a high-salt diet. These results support the hypothesis that an inability to upregulate CYP2C and maintain CYP2J in the rat kidney and impaired afferent arteriolar vasodilation with chronic Ang II infusion contribute to salt-induced elevation of arterial pressure.