Anthocyanin attenuates high salt-induced hypertension via inhibiting the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system

Background Anthocyanin plays a protective role in cardiovascular disease through antioxidant effect. Whether anthocyanin can reduce salt-induced hypertension and the related mechanisms remain unclear. Methods Chronic infusion of vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, aCSF, 0.4 & mu;L/h) or anthocyanin (10 mg/kg, 0.4 & mu;L/h) into bilateral paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of Sprague-Dawley rats was performed. Then, the rats were fed a high salt diet (8% NaCl, HS) or normal salt diet (0.9%, NaCl, NS) for 4 weeks. Results High salt diet induced an increase in blood pressure and peripheral sympathetic nerve activity (increased LF/HF and decreased SDNN and RMSSD), which was accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT(1)R) expression and function in the PVN. Moreover, the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and related inflammatory proteins (caspase-1) expression, the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels including IL-1 & beta; and TNF-& alpha; were higher in PVN of rats with a high salt diet. Bilateral PVN infusion of anthocyanin attenuated NLRP3-dependent inflammation (NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1 & beta; and TNF-& alpha;) and ROS production, reduced AT(1)R expression and function in PVN and lowered peripheral sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in rats with salt-induced hypertension. Conclusions Excessive salt intake activates NLRP3-dependent inflammation and oxidative stress and increased AT(1)R expression and function in the PVN. Bilateral PVN infusion of anthocyanin lowers peripheral sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in rats with salt-induced hypertension by improvement of expression and function of AT(1)R in the PVN through inhibiting NLRP3 related inflammatory and oxidative stress.