The effects of maternal mild protein restriction on stroke incidence and blood pressure in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP).

The effect of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy on the offspring's blood pressure was assessed in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) which are genetically predisposed to hypertension and stroke. After the confirmation of pregnancy, the control group was given a 20% casein diet, and the low-protein group was fed a 9% casein diet. After the confirmation of delivery, commercial feed was given to both of the groups. No differences were seen between the control and low-protein offspring in regard to body weight, blood pressure elevation, or life span. One percent saline solution was put in the control and low-protein groups after the age of 11 weeks. Blood pressure increased markedly in the low-protein group, on the blood pressure level in the low-protein group on week 2 after salt loading (242 +/- 6 mmHg) was significantly higher than that in the control group (223 +/- 9 mmHg; p < 0.05). The survival duration was significantly shorter in the low-protein group (113 +/- 4 days) than in the control group (135 +/- 22 days; p < 0.05). These results suggest that maternal protein malnutrition in SHRSP exerted a high salt sensitivity and a malignant influence on stroke incidence on offspring.