Aldosterone/salt induces renal inflammation and fibrosis in hypertensive rats.

Background: We evaluated the role of aldosterone as a mediator of renal inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of aldosterone/salt hypertension using the selective aldosterone blocker, eplerenone.

Methods: Unnephrectomized, Sprague-Dawley rats were given 1% NaCl (salt) to drink and randomized to receive treatment for 28 days: vehicle infusion (control); 0.75 microg/hour aldosterone subcutaneous infusion; or aldosterone infusion + 100 mg/kg/day oral dose of eplerenone.