Aldosterone mediated regulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits in the rat hypothalamus.

•The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in the brain play significant roles in the development of hypertension.•Effect of aldosterone on ENaC in in vitro hypothalamic slices was examined.•Aldosterone treatment caused a significant increase in the expression of γENaC subunit in hypothalamic slices.•However, the treatment with aldosterone did not cause an increase in activity of ENaC in hypothalamic vasopressin neurons.•Aldosterone alone is not sufficient enough to increase ENaC current when they are applied to hypothalamic slices in vitro.