Metabolic programming during lactation stimulates renal Na+ transport in the adult offspring due to an early impact on local angiotensin II pathways.

Background: Several studies have correlated perinatal malnutrition with diseases in adulthood, giving support to the programming hypothesis. In this study, the effects of maternal undernutrition during lactation on renal Na(+)-transporters and on the local angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling cascade in rats were investigated.

Methodology/principal Findings: Female rats received a hypoproteic diet (8% protein) throughout lactation.