Hypertension was induced in Dahl-salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats by administer
ing salt in drinking water. Control rats receiving tap water did not show a
significant change in blood pressure or abnormalities in the kidney. Rats
receiving 0.5% NaCl solution developed moderate hypertension and renal lesi
ons. Rats receiving 1.0% NaCl solution showed prominent and increasing hype
rtension and severe renal damage. This method of salt administration should
be simpler than administration in the diet as a means of promoting renal h
ypertension. The lower concentration salt water caused chronic mild hyperte
nsion in Dahl-S rats, and may serve as a useful model for progressive hyper
tension.