The opisthonephric kidney of the sea lamprey of the great lakes,Petromyzon marinus L. I. The renal corpuscle

The renal corpuscle of the opisthonephric kidney of the Great Lakes lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L., is described. In the larvae (ammocoetes) several renal corpuscles, each consisting of lobed glomeruli and Bowman's capsules, are placed behind one another and there is a progressive lengthening of the posterior corpuscles as the animal ages, apparently by the addition of new glomeruli posteriorly. Bowman's capsule surrounds a single loop and consists of parietal and visceral layers which are similar to those seen in higher vertebrates. The kidney of the adult has a single complex renal corpuscle which extends almost its entire length. Present evidence indicates that the adult kidney is formed during transformation and that the larval renal corpuscles do not contribute to the single elongate corpuscle of the adult. A large number of lobed glomeruli, lying one behind the other, form the elongate glomus. Interposed between each pair of lobes is the dilated end of a nephron. There are no typical Bowman's capsules in the adult although where these nephric capsules invest the blood vessels of a lobe they develop podocytes similar to those of the visceral layer of Bowman's capsule and elsewhere they consist of a simple squamous epithelium similar to that of the parietal layer.     

Renal function and sympathetic activity during mental stress in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

The aim of the present study was to explore the role of the renal sympathetic nerves in the urinary sodium excretion response to ‘mental stress’ in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In conscious male SHR and male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) urinary sodium excretion and renal function were measured both during ‘rest’ and during a 20 min period of ‘mental stress’. Experiments were also performed on renal denervated rats. In addition, renal sympathetic activity was measured in a separate group of rats. Urinary sodium excretion, similar at rest in SHR and WKY, decreased significantly more during the stress period in SHR (-64±5%) than in WKY (-34±7%), despite a greater arterial pressure increase in SHR. Renal sympathetic nerve activity which already at rest was higher in SHR than in WKY, also increased much more in SHR during stress than in WKY. The more intense renal sympathetic activation during stress may explain the greater reduction in urinary sodium excretion in SHR, because renal denervation almost abolished this latter response. Thus, during ‘mental stress’ the increased renal sympathetic activity reduces urinary sodium excretion in SHR despite the pressure rise, perhaps explaining why renal denervation delays the rise in arterial pressure in young SHR. The tachycardia response in SHR gradually subsided towards the end of the stress period, while renal sympathetic activity remained elevated. This indicates that neurogenic heart rate increases if anything underestimate the extent of sympathetic activation to e. g. the renal and splanchnic regions during increased alertness.     

Tuft-to-capsule adhesions and their precursors: differences between the vascular and tubular poles of the human glomerulus

Human glomerular capillary tufts were removed by microdissection and scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the surface of the capillary tuft and the interior of its Bowman's capsule in order to identify connections between the tuft and capsule. Glomeruli were examined in histologically normal renal cortex from 12 kidneys removed for tumour and 12 renal allografts removed for end-stage rejection. In normal kidney, the glomerular tuft was connected to Bowman's capsule by single podocytes and their processes. At the vascular pole, these were predominantly associated with parietal podocytes which lined Bowman's capsule. At the tubular pole, occasional podocytic processes derived from the capillary tuft bridged Bowman's space and connected to Bowman's capsule where there were no parietal podocytes. These podocytic connections were also found in all rejected transplants, but in addition adhesions were identified which consisted of thicker connections between the tuft and capsule. At the vascular pole, tuft-to-capsule adhesions were found in all 12 kidneys; these were always associated with parietal podocytes. Tubular pole adhesions were identified in ten of the 12 transplants. They were associated with abnormal squamous cells, but not with parietal podocytes. When the capillary tuft herniated into the proximal tubule, the tuft sometimes formed an adhesion with the origin of the proximal tubule. These observations suggest that podocyte connections between the glomerular tuft and Bowman's capsule may be precursors of glomerular adhesions at the vascular pole. Since tuft-to-capsule adhesions at the vascular pole differ morphologically from those at the tubular pole, this may reflect different pathogenetic mechanisms at the opposite poles of the glomerulus. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Renal sympathetic activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive controls, as studied by three different methods

Recordings of sympathetic activity from multifibre preparations of renal nerves have produced conflicting results concerning the presence or absence of an increased sympathetic discharge in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) compared to normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Therefore, recordings of single fibre activity to the kidney were performed in anesthetized SHR and WKY in comparison with multifibre recordings in conscious, undisturbed rats. A new method of estimating sympathetic discharge by analyzing the variability of "cycle activity" in multifibre nerve recordings was also used. The average nerve activity in a great number of cardiac cycles was then expressed in relation (in per cent) to the nerve activity in a small number of cardiac cycles with the highest and lowest nerve activity in each rat. Single fibre recordings showed a significantly higher sympathetic activity to the kidneys in SHR (3.8 +/- 0.3 Hz) than in WKY (1.7 +/- 0.2 Hz; p less than 0.001). Also average "cycle activity" was significantly higher in conscious SHR (34 +/- 1%) than in WKY (26 +/- 2%, p less than 0.01). This was due to the larger number of cardiac cycles in SHR with high sympathetic activity while WKY showed more of "silent" cardiac cycles which lacked nerve impulses. Further, the recordings of rectified multifibre renal nerve activity also showed an elevated sympathetic activity in conscious SHR rats. The increased renal sympathetic activity appears to reflect the "primary" central nervous "hyperreactivity" characterizing SHR hypertension. It is suggested that the increased renal sympathetic activity may be of particular importance for the development of primary hypertension in SHR and perhaps also in man.     

Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Antigen (TIN-ag) is Expresses in Distinct Segments of the Developing Human Nephron

Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TIN-ag) is a 58 kDa glycoprotein restricted within the kidney to basement membranes underlying the epithelium of Bowman's capsule and proximal and distal tubules. Autoantibody formation against this component has been described in association with primary immune-mediated tubulointerstital nephritis, membranous nephropathy and anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis. In the present report, the ontogeny of this protein was studied in human fetal kidney tissue by immunohistochemical analysis of immature and developing nephrons using a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. TIN-ag is first detected in basement membranes underlying the epithelium of Bowman's capsule of early capillary loop stage glomeruli and the primitive proximal tubule. No detectable expression is observed in the basement membranes of the branching ureteric bud, nephrogenic vesicle, or comma shape and s-shape stages of nephrogenic development. Increased staining of the proximal tubular basement membrane is associated with outgrowth of the primitive tubule from the urinary pole of the developing glomerulus. In more mature fetal tubules, TIN-ag expression closely resembles that of previously reported observations in mature tissue where it is present in high amounts in the basement membranes of proximal tubules, and to a lesser extent in Bowman's capsule and distal tubules. Our results suggest that TIN-ag expression is developmentally regulated in a precise spatial and temporal pattern throughout nephrogenesis.     

自发性高血压大鼠肾动脉的零应力状态

通过观察动脉主干张开角的大小,研究了自发性高血压大鼠（Ｓｐｏｎｔａｎｅｏｕｓｌｙ ｈｙｐｅｒｔｅｎｓｉｖｅ,ｒａｔ,ＳＨＲ）高血压建立后肾动脉零应力状态的变化,并于ＳＨＲ高血压形成前,分别给予口服型ＡｎｇⅡ Ⅰ型受体拮抗剂Ｌｏｓａｒｔａｎ和ＥＴ Ａ型受体拮抗剂ＢＭＳ－１８２８７４,研究内源性ＡｎｇⅡ和ＥＴ在ＳＨＲ肾动脉零应力状态变化中的作用。 现,在高血压已建立的ＳＨＲ,肾动脉主干张开角（１１４．     

氯沙坦逆转高血压大鼠阻力血管重塑的实验研究

目的:探讨氯沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)阻力血管重塑的影响。方法:将雄性SHR20只随机分为氯沙坦治疗组和SHR对照组。另选同系雄性WKY大鼠10只作为正常对照组。治疗组给予氯沙坦30mg/kg/天,溶于饮水灌胃治疗17周。颈动脉插管,心电血流动力学监护仪测定动脉收缩压,应用计算机图像分析,计算血管壁腔面积比,用光镜和透射电镜观察SHR肠系膜动脉三级分支结构的变化;血浆放免法测肾素活性和血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)含量。结果:氯沙坦治疗组的血管壁腔面积比与SHR对照组相比有所降低(P<0.05),但与WKY相比有所升高(P<0.05);血浆肾素活性在WKY组和SHR对照组之间无明显差异(P>0.05),治疗组肾素活性高于SHR对照组(P<0.05);治疗组的AngⅡ水平高于SHR对照组(P<0.01)。结论:氯沙坦具有逆转SHR血管重塑的作用。     

Renal tubular reabsorption in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We characterized renal tubular reabsorption before and during acute expansion in anesthetized 12-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Although mean arterial pressure was higher in euvolemic, nondiuretic SHR than in WKY, 158 vs. 114 mmHg, kidney and nephron glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as well as fluid reabsorption by the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and distal convoluted tubule-collecting duct were similar. In euvolemic SHR with aortic constriction (SHR-AC), an acute decrease in renal perfusion pressure to 114 mmHg reduced sodium and water excretion. Kidney and nephron GFR and fluid reabsorption by segments along the nephron resembled values for SHR and WKY. Infusion of isotonic saline (3 ml.100 g body wt-1.h-1) produced similar increases in fractional sodium and water excretion by SHR and WKY, whereas SHR-AC exhibited a blunted natriuresis and diuresis. During expansion, fluid reabsorption by the nephron segments did not differ appreciably among the three groups. The effect(s) of perfusion pressure on reabsorption by superficial nephrons may be covert and was not unmasked, or may be manifested preferentially by deeper nephrons. We conclude that kidneys of SHR require a higher arterial pressure than kidneys of WKY to excrete a given amount of salt and water.     

Are renal mechanisms involved in primary hypertension? Evidence from kidney transplantation studies in rats

Summary Previous renal transplantation experiments in genetically hypertensive and normotensive rat strains indicated that a genetic defect in the kidney may be primarily involved in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. In order to investigate whether this is also true for the most widely used animal model of primary hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), we performed renal transplantations using SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) as kidney donors and bilaterally nephrectomized F1 hybrids, bred from SHR×WKY parents as renal graft recipients. Our studies were also designed to differentiate between primary and secondary renal mechanisms as a possible cause of posttransplantation hypertension. Recipients of renal grafts from adult, naive SHR but not from adult normotensive WKY kidney donors developed posttransplantation hypertension. Permanent blood pressure normalization by antihypertensive treatment in adult SHR kidney donors and prehypertensive, young age of SHR kidney donors reduced, but did not prevent, posttransplantation hypertension. Increasing renal perfusion pressure in WKY kidney donors (2-kidney 1-clip hypertension) also resulted in posttransplantation hypertension in recipients of the non-clipped kidneys. Blood pressure remained normal in recipients of renal grafts from young WKY kidney donors. These data suggest that SHR kidneys carry a genetic defect which may be primarily involved in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension.Abbreviations SHR spontaneously hypertensive rat - WKY Wistar-Kyoto rat Preprint of a lecture to be read at the 22nd Congress of the Gesellschaft für Nephrologie, Heidelberg, September 15–18, 1991 (Editor: Prof. Dr. E. Ritz, Heidelberg)     

Interaction between “mental stress” and baroreceptor reflexes concerning effects on heart rate,mean arterial pressure and renal sympathetic activity in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were compared concerning the interactions between cortico-hypothalamic alerting responses and baroreflex influences on neurogenic cardiovascular control. For this purpose mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were continuously recorded during night time in conscious, otherwise undisturbed rats. Baroreceptor sensitivity was assessed as percentage HR and RSNA reductions per mmHg MAP elevation when a standardized phenylephrine infusion was performed. A state of acute “mental stress” could be induced by a likewise standardized sudden blowing of air. These two opposing influences on neurogenic cardiovascular control were also experimentally superimposed in various ways and the effects on MAP, HR and RSNA followed. During “rest” RSNA was higher in SHR than in WKY and it also increased more during “mental stress”. The baroreflex sensitivity was clearly reduced in SHR and WKY concerning HR reduction (0.44±0.06 vs. 0.78±0.08%/mmHg; p<0.01) but not so concerning RSNA, which was similar in SHR and WKY (2.6±0.2 vs. 2.9±0.4%/mmHg). If expressed (HR + 1±3%; p<0.025 vs. SHR and RSNA + 11%±10, p<0.01 vs. SHR). These results) (0.10±0.02 vs. 0.06±0.01 μV/mmHg; p<0.12). Also single fibre recordings in anaesthetized rats showed the same principle difference between SHR and WKY. Addition of “mental stress” during phenylephrine baroreflex activation clearly increased both HR (24±7%) and RSNA (114±21 %) in SHR, while almost no change then occurred in WKY (HR + 1±3%; p<0.025 vs. SHR and RSNA + 11%±10, p<0.01 vs. SHR). These results suggest that a modestly accentuated cortico-hypothalamic activity ordinarily prevails in SHR, explaining the suppressed baroreflex control of heart rate and the augmented sympathetic activity to e.g. renal and splanchnic areas. Further, environmental alerting stimuli induce in SHR more powerful defence reactions which, unlike the situation in WKY, readily overcome baroreflex inhibitory influences on sympathetic activity.     

Expression of AKR1C3 in renal cell carcinoma, papillary urothelial carcinoma, and Wilms' tumor

Human aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C3 is a monomeric cytoplasmic multifunctional enzyme that reduces ketosteroids, ketoprostaglandins, and lipid aldehydes. AKR1C3 was initially identified as an enzyme involved in steroid metabolism. However, immunohistochemistry has demonstrated AKR1C3 in normal adult kidneys with expression in Bowman'' capsule, the mesangial cells, proximal and distal tubules, as well as mature urothelial epithelium. The significance of its spatial distribution and metabolic activities in the kidney remains undefined. In addition to its ability to catalyze steroid hormones (including androgen, desoxycorticosterone, and progesterone) and involvement in prostaglandins metabolism, we suspect that AKR1C3 may function as a chemical barrier in the renal tubules for normal function in mature kidneys. Moreover, AKR1C3 may represent a developmental marker for some urological epithelial tissues. In this study, we demonstrate widespread expression of AKR1C3 in renal neoplasms with a phenotype recapitulating mature kidney (i.e., renal cell carcinoma) and urothelium also known as transitional epithelium (i.e., papillary urothelial carcinoma), but noted limited AKR1C3 expression in renal neoplasms with a phenotype recapitulating embryonic kidneys (i.e., Wilms'' tumor). Our results suggest that AKR1C3 may represent a developmental marker that is related to renal epithelium maturity.     

Effects of dietary protein on food and water intake in spontaneously hypertensive rats

We have been studying the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed a low protein diet. The effects of a low protein diet upon food and water intake were examined. Body weight gain, food and water intake were measured in three to twenty-three week-old SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) fed diets containing 8%, 15% or 25% casein. Body weights of SHR and WKY fed an 8% casein diet were significantly lower at 23 weeks than rats on the higher protein diets, although both groups on the 8% diet consumed more food and water per g of body weight. In addition, SHR fed an 8% casein diet drank less water per gram of food than WKY or SHR fed 15% and 25% casein diets. These results indicate that changes in food and water intake, as a consequence of low protein diets, should be an additional consideration when examining the effects of dietary protein on the development of hypertension.     

Influence of age on L-type Ca2+ channels in the pulmonary artery and vein of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The influence of age on the density and localization of L-type Ca²⁺ channels was studied during development of hypertension in the pulmonary artery and vein of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and age-matched normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats by radioligand binding assay and light microscope autoradiography. SHR were examined at 6 weeks (juvenile, pre-hypertensive stage), 12 weeks (young, developing hypertension) and 24 weeks (mature, established hypertension). The dihydropyridine-type Ca²⁺ antagonist [³H]nicardipine was used as a radioligand. It was bound specifically to sections of rat pulmonary artery and vein. Dissociation constant (K_d) values were similar in WKY rats and SHR, whereas maximum density of binding sites (B_max) values increased in SHR in comparison with WKY rats. This increase was noticeable from the pre-hypertensive phase. The pharmacological profile of [³H]nicardipine binding was similar in different age groups of either normotensive and hypertensive rats. Quantitative analysis of autoradiographs from SHR revealed a progressive increase of silver grains in smooth muscle of tunica media and to a lesser extent in the adventitia of pulmonary artery but not of pulmonary vein from pre-hypertensive stage to developing hypertension. No further changes were observed in established hypertension. The above data indicate that the density of L-type Ca²⁺ channels of pulmonary arteries is increased in SHR. This augmentation after the pre-hypertensive phase suggests the occurrence of dysregulation of Ca²⁺ handling in the pulmonary vasculature of developing SHR.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂对高血压肾小动脉重建的影响

目的:研究血管紧张素II(AngII)受体拮抗剂对高血压肾小动脉重建的影响。方法:18只4周龄雄性大鼠分为:正常血压大鼠(WKY)组、自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)组、SHR口服losartan组,均饲养至16周。在肾组织切片上分别用光镜和电镜配合计算机图像分析法观测肾组织内小动脉的几何形态学指标和小动脉平滑肌及其间隙,离体肾脏灌流法测定最小肾血管阻力。结果:Losartan组的尾动脉收缩压、肾小动脉壁厚、壁面积、壁厚内径比和中层血管平滑肌细胞宽度以及最小肾血管阻力,均显著低于高血压对照组。结论:AngII受体拮抗剂losartan能预防SHR肾小动脉的重建。     

Resetting of aortic baroreceptors with non-myelinated afferent fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The phenomenon of resetting and the possible mechanisms responsible for it were investigated in aortic baroreceptors having unmyelinated axons. Recordings were obtained from 31 aortic baroreceptor C-fibers in 20 normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and 37 baroreceptor C-fibers in 11 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The recordings were obtained from the left aortic nerve of an in vitro aortic nerve-aortic arch preparation. The thresholds for activation of baroreceptor C-fibers were not different between SHR's and WKY's at 16 weeks of age (139±7 and 133±5 mmHg, respectively). However, the thresholds for activation in SHR at 36 weeks of age were considerably higher (163±4 mmHg) indicating resetting of the receptors in the older rats. The pressure-discharge curves were not different between SHR's and WKY's at 16 weeks of age and WKY's at 35 weeks of age, but were shifted to the right for SHR's at 36 weeks of age. The receptors showed greater responses to pulsatile pressures than to steady state pressures at the same mean level of pressure. We found that aortic C-fibers were not reset during the early established phase of hypertension in SHR's because of enhanced receptor strain sensitivity. This is likely to be of importance for tonic vasomotor control at this time. In later stages of hypertension and despite enhanced strain sensitivity the endings were reset to higher pressures probably due to an increased collagen content in the aortic wall.     

Age-related changes in the renal dopaminergic system and expression of renal amino acid transporters in WKY and SHR rats

This study examined age-related changes in renal dopaminergic activity and expression of amino acid transporters potentially involved in renal tubular uptake of l-DOPA in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Aging (from 13 to 91 weeks) was accompanied by increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in both WKY and SHR. The sum of urinary dopamine and DOPAC and the urinary dopamine/l-DOPA ratio were increased in aged SHR but not in aged WKY. The urinary dopamine/renal delivery of l-DOPA ratio was increased in both rat strains with aging. LAT2 abundance was increased in aged WKY and SHR. The expression of 4F2hc was markedly elevated in aged SHR but not in aged WKY. ASCT2 was upregulated in both aged WKY and SHR. Plasma aldosterone levels and urinary noradrenaline levels were increased in aged WKY and SHR though levels of both entities were more elevated in aged SHR. Activation of the renal dopaminergic system is more pronounced in aged SHR than in aged WKY and is associated with an upregulation of renal cortical ASCT2 in WKY and of LAT2/4F2hc and ASCT2 in SHR. This activation may be the consequence of a counter-regulatory mechanism for stimuli leading to sodium reabsorption.     

氯沙坦逆转高血压大鼠心肌重塑的实验研究

目的探讨氯沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)心肌重塑的影响。方法16周龄雄性SHR20只,随机分为氯沙坦治疗组和SHR对照组。同龄雄性WKY鼠10只作为正常对照组。给予氯沙坦每天30mg/kg溶于饮水灌胃治疗17周。测定动脉收缩压、左心室壁的厚度、左心室重量与体重之比(LVW/BW)。透射电镜评估左心室肥厚(LVH)的程度。用真彩色图像分析系统计算左心室胶原容积分数。结果氯沙坦治疗组血压、LVW/BW、左室壁厚度与SHR对照组相比明显降低,但与WKY相比有所升高。透射电镜下氯沙坦治疗组心肌的超微结构与WKY相似,SHR的结构有异常改变。与SHR对照组相比,氯沙坦治疗组左心室胶原容积分数下降。结论氯沙坦能有效地降低SHR的血压、逆转高血压左室重塑。     

Renal vascular resistance and reactivity in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Renal vascular resistance is elevated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) when compared to normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The present study examined possible determinants of this raised vascular resistance in in situ autoperfused kidneys of pentobarbital-anesthetized, 12- to 16-wk-old SHR and WKY. Over a wide range of arterial pressures (30--100 mmHg) renal blood flow was consistently higher in WKY than in SHR. This relative flow difference was unchanged by acute renal denervation, with renal vascular resistance decreasing approximately 20% in both strains. Changes in renal vascular resistance to renal nerve stimulation and the administration of intra-arterial vasoactive hormones also were assessed. Vascular responses to renal nerve stimulation, tyramine, angiotensin II, and acetylcholine were similar in kidneys of the two strains, but reactivity to norepinephrine was significantly less in kidneys of SHR. It was concluded that elevated renal vascular resistance in the SHR does not result from an excessive neurogenic influence on the renal vasculature or from vascular hyperreactivity to norepinephrine or angiotensin II.     

Fibrin deposition in the kidney in post-ischaemic renal damage.

To investigate whether fibrin deposition in the kidney occurs in ischaemic acute renal failure, rats were subjected to a left renal artery occlusion (RAO) for 1 h and contralateral nephrectomy. The animals were killed 0, 5, 15 and 60 min after re-establishment of the circulation. Kidney tissue was snap-frozen for immunofluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and immersion-fixed for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence studies showed small amounts of immune reactive fibrinogen/fibrin deposits in the peritubular capillaries. Substantial amounts of fibrinogen/fibrin positive material was observed in Bowman''s space and in the tubular lumina. Scanning electron microscopy of freeze-dried tissue disclosed granular and fibrillar material in Bowman''s space. A temporary enlargement of Bowman''s space was noted; it may have been caused by tubular obstruction. No deposits were found in the control (right) kidneys and in kidneys of heparinized rats subjected to RAO. The results indicate that fibrin deposition occurs in the ischaemic model of acute renal failure in rat, both intravascularly and in the urinary space. Its importance for the development of renal functional impairment remains to be studied.     

Aging impairs the protective effect of magnesium supplementation on hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that is unique to pregnancy. Magnesium (Mg2+) supplementation is a potential new therapy to ameliorate development of hypertension. The aim of this work was to compare the effects of Mg2+ supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in young and aged rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into young (6-week-old male, n = 10) and old (16-week-old male, n = 10) groups. Each group of rats comprised two subgroups made of a control subgroup fed with normal rat chow (0.2% Mg2+, n = 5) and a high Mg2+ subgroup nourished with a Mg2+ rich diet (0.8% Mg2+, n = 5). Age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were also allocated into two groups. SBP was assessed weekly for 12 weeks indirectly by the tail-cuff method. SBP increased progressively in SHR-young rats after 7 weeks. This increase was greater in the control subgroup compared to high Mg2+ subgroup at 7 weeks (p < 0.05). No difference in the SBP was registered between old SHR subgroups. Mg2+ supplementation does not exert antihypertensive effects in the WKY rats. In conclusion, Mg2+ supplementation may provide beneficial effect in the developmental phase of hypertension but not in established hypertension.