The effect of different salts and stress on some physiological parameters in rats

Background: Salt is one of the nutrients necessary for life. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the factor that determines the extracellular fluid volume. It is also involved in the regulation of blood pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that salt intake should be less than 5 grams all over the world. High salt intake directly raises blood pressure which has negative effects on progress of stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy and renal disease. Today, stress is an integral part of the life. Stress causes many diseases such as; hypertension, coronary heart diseases, gastric ulcers, diabetes and memory loss with disrupting of the physiological functions. In our study we aimed to determinate effects of different types of salts on some physiological parameters on normal and chronic restraint stressed rats. Material and Methods: Ninety seven 3-4 month old Wistar Albino male (3-4 months) rats weighing an avarege of 250-350 gr were randomly divided into 13 groups. Salts were given by gastric gavage (1 ml/day). Before and after experimental period, blood pressure parameters and body weights were measured. After experimental period mRNA, biochemical and histopathologic parameters were studied. Results: Blood pressure increased in salt and stress applied groups. Kidney and heart tissue damages have been occurred and Anj-I, Anj-II and ACE values decreased in the same groups. Conclusion: According to our results, we can say that to use rock salt and himalayan salt which have low sodium content have more advantages than other salts for health. Especially, we can note that the use of rock salt should be kept in the forefront.