Alterations of Circadian Expressions of Clock Genes in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats Fed a High-Salt Diet

Dahl salt-sensitive rats on a high-salt diet showed increased amplitude of circadian variations in blood pressure compared to those on a normal-salt diet.

• The heart and kidney weights relative to body weight were higher in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet.
• Echocardiographic assessments indicated greater left ventricular wall thickness in the high-salt diet group.
• Circadian expression of clock genes (mPer2, Bmal1, and dbp) was significantly decreased in the heart, liver, and kidney of high-salt diet rats, except for Bmal1 in the liver.
• The circadian expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, a gene regulated by the circadian clock, was reduced in the hearts of high-salt diet rats.
• Altered circadian expression of peripheral clock genes may be linked to blood pressure regulation in hypertension.

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