Early Onset Salt-Sensitive Hypertension in Bradykinin B2 Receptor Null Mice

Kinins have been implicated in the hemodynamic adaptation to postnatal life. The present study examined the impact of bradykinin B2 receptor (B2 R) gene disruption on the postnatal changes in blood pressure (BP) and the susceptibility to early onset salt-sensitive hypertension in mice. B2 R null (-/-) and wild-type (+/+) mice were fed normal (NS, 1% NaCl) or high (HS, 5% NaCl) salt diets during pregnancy. After birth, the pups remained with their mothers until they were weaned and were subsequently continued on the respective maternal salt intake until 4 months of age. The age-related changes at 3 and 4 months in tail-cuff BP and anesthetized mean arterial pressure at 4 months were not different in NS/B2 R and NS/B2 R mice. However, there was a mild increase in BP in NS/B2 R at 2 months versus NS/B2 R. In contrast, HS/B2 R mice manifested early onset and persistent elevations of tail-cuff BP (P