Conclusions
The beneficial effects of EPL may be associated with an inhibition of PGE&sub2;. The mechanism underlying the protective effects of EPL is clearly distinct from that of APC and suggests that these agents can have differential roles in cardiovascular disease.
Methods
Dahl salt-sensitive rats on either a low-salt or high-salt diet were treated with ALDO (0.2 mg pellet) in the presence of EPL (100 mg/kg/day) or APC (1.5 mM). Indirect blood pressure, prostaglandins and ALDO levels and histological changes were measured.
Results
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels were upregulated in the renal tubules and peritubular vessels after high-salt intake, and APC attenuated renal tubular COX-2 protein expression induced by ALDO. Plasma PGE&sub2; levels were significantly reduced by ALDO in the rats fed a low-salt diet when compared to rats fed a high-salt diet. PGE&sub2; was blocked by EPL but increased in the presence of APC. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of EPL may be associated with an inhibition of PGE&sub2;. The mechanism underlying the protective effects of EPL is clearly distinct from that of APC and suggests that these agents can have differential roles in cardiovascular disease.