[Ultrastructural changes in the arterioles of rats with experimental salt hypertension].

The ultrastructure of arterioles in experimental salt loading in rats was studied. It was established that prolonged feeding with salt-rich diet led to stable hypertension in some experimental animals, and ultrastructural changes in arterioles were noted only in rats which had developed stable hypertension. The changes in arterioles in experimental salt hypertension in principle were similar to those observed in other chronic forms of hypertensive states, but they developed slower and were less pronounced. The present study does not confirm the views advocated by some authors about a direct effect of salt on the ultrastructure of the arteriolar wall. The mechanism responsible for the changes in the arterial wall occurring in experimental salt hypertension remains unclear.