Impaired pressure natriuresis is associated with interstitial inflammation in salt-sensitive hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Impairment of the pressure natriuresis relationship is a central event in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Renal tubulointerstitial inflammation results in salt-sensitive hypertension and, until recently, the changes in pressure natriuresis induced by renal inflammation received little attention.

RECENT FINDINGS: Oxidative stress and increased intrarenal angiotensin II activity, in association with rarefaction and loss of peritubular vascular network, may be involved in the inflammation-induced blunting of the natriuresis resulting from increments in renal perfusion pressure.

SUMMARY: Here, we review the mechanisms for the impairment in pressure natriuresis resulting from renal tubulointerstitial inflammation in reference to the normal physiologic mechanisms involved in this response.