# Meriones unguiculatus serves as a spontaneous primary aldosteronism rodent model

## TL;DR

This study shows that Meriones unguiculatus naturally exhibits symptoms of primary aldosteronism, making it a suitable animal model for the condition.

## Contribution

The study introduces Meriones unguiculatus as a novel spontaneous rodent model for primary aldosteronism without gene manipulation.

## Key findings

- MU displayed hypertension, hyperaldosteronism, low renin, and strong sodium retention similar to PA patients.
- MU showed milder RAAS inhibition and significant cardiac dysfunction compared to control rats.
- MU had increased CYP11B2 expression and distribution in the adrenal gland, leading to excessive aldosterone production.

## Abstract

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of endocrine hypertension. The available animal models of PA rely on gene manipulation, thus fail to duplicate the general pathological process of PA in humans. Meriones unguiculatus (MU) has been reported to possess a large size of adrenal gland and an elevated ability to save water. In this study, we aimed to confirm whether MU can serve as an ideal animal model of PA.

Sprague Dawley rats of the same body weight (SD1) or age (SD2) as MU were used as control groups. Blood pressure and serum aldosterone, renin and electrolyte levels were measured, and the oral salt loading test was used as confirmatory test to compare the inhibition level of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) among the three groups. The expression and distribution of CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) were evaluated in the adrenal gland of each group.

MU exhibited typical clinical manifestations of PA, including hypertension, hyperaldosteronism, low renin levels and strong sodium retention and potassium excretion abilities. Compared with control groups, the inhibitory effect of a high-sodium diet on the RAAS was milder in MU, accompanied by significant cardiac dysfunction. The protein expression level and distribution area of CYP11B2 were significantly increased in the adrenal gland of MU.

The current study reveals that MU could serve as an ideal spontaneous PA model. The increased expression and distribution of CYP11B2 stimulate the excessive aldosterone production in a renin-independent manner, leading to a significant increase in blood pressure in MU.