Effects of sodium restriction on cardiac 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol and catecholamine levels in rats.

Abstract

1. The effects of low or high sodium intake for 4 weeks on cardiac catecholamines and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol (DHPG) levels were studied in adult female Wistar rats. 2. Rats receiving the low sodium diet had significantly higher plasma renin activity than rats receiving the high sodium diet. 3. Dopamine concentrations in both the right and left ventricle were significantly higher in the low salt compared with the high salt rats, but noradrenaline, adrenaline and DHPG levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. 4. These data do not support previous reports that sodium restriction reduces cardiac noradrenaline release, but suggest that alterations in sodium intake may influence cardiac noradrenaline metabolism.