This study investigated the beneficial effects of D-α-tocopherol supplementation in protecting against the renal morphological and functional changes caused by hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive control (WKY) rats received D-α-tocopherol (80 mg/kg by gavage) or vehicle (mineral oil) every other day for 60 days, from the age of 2 months. After this treatment period, all animals were assessed for renal morphological and functional parameters. The glomerular hypertrophy, increased interlobular wall thickness and enlarged renal vascular resistance found in SHR were reduced by D-α-tocopherol treatment. Sodium and volume retention observed in SHR were also decreased by D-α-tocopherol treatment. Moreover, D-α-tocopherol... |