GPER activation ameliorates aortic remodeling induced by salt-sensitive hypertension

The mRen2 female rat is an estrogen- and salt-sensitive model of hypertension that reflects the higher pressure and salt sensitivity associated with menopause. We previously showed that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates estrogenic effects in this model. The current study hypothesized that GPER protects against vascular injury during salt loading. Intact mRen2 female rats were fed a normal (NS; 0.5% Na+) or high-salt diet (HS; 4% Na+) for 10 wk, which significantly increased systolic blood pressure (149 +/- 5 vs. 224 +/- 8 mmHg; P < 0.001). Treatment with the selective GPER agonist G-1 for 2 wk did not alter salt-sensitive hypertension (216 +/- 4 mmHg; P > 0.05) or ex vivo vascular responses to angiotensin II or phenylephrine (P > 0.05). However, G-1 significantly attenuated salt-induced aortic remodeling assessed by media-to-lumen ratio (NS: 0.43; HS + veh: 0.89; HS + G-1: 0.61; P < 0.05). Aortic thickening was not accompanied by changes in collagen, elastin, or medial proliferation. However, HS induced increases in medial layer glycosaminoglycans (0.07 vs. 0.42 mm(2); P < 0.001) and lipid peroxidation (0.11 vs. 0.51 mm(2); P < 0.01), both of which were reduced by G-1 (0.20 mm(2) and 0.23 mm(2); both P < 0.05). We conclude that GPER's beneficial actions in the aorta of salt-loaded mRen2 females occur independently of changes in blood pressure and vasoreactivity. GPER-induced attenuation of aortic remodeling was associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and decreased accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Endogenous activation of GPER may protect females from salt-and pressure-induced vascular damage.