Perinatal intermittent hypoxia increases early susceptibility to ANG II-induced hypertension in adult male but not in female Sprague–Dawley rats

Prenatal, perinatal, and adulthood exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) increases blood pressure in rodents. Males exposed to chronic IH have higher blood pressure versus females. However, it is unknown if this same-sex difference exists with acute perinatal IH. We tested the hypothesis that acute perinatal IH increases baseline blood pressure and enhances sensitivity to angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Male and female pups were randomized to control (room air) or IH (10 min of ~10% O₂ for 3 times/day) for the first 8 days of life. IH decreased oxygen saturation, as confirmed via a pulse oximeter. Pups were weaned at postnatal day 21. Blood pressure was measured via telemetry beginning at 14 wk of age and analyzed separately into light and dark phases to assess circadian rhythm. Osmotic minipumps to deliver ANG II were implanted at 15 wk of age. Perinatal IH exposure did not alter baseline blood pressure. One week of ANG II treatment increased blood pressure in light and dark periods in males exposed to IH versus control; there was no effect in females. Blood pressure among the groups was comparable following 2 wk of ANG II infusion. Perinatal IH did not change the circadian rhythm. Following ANG II treatment, indexes of renal injury were measured. Perinatal IH did not alter kidney size, structure, nephron number, or creatinine clearance. These data indicate that acute perinatal IH enhances early ANG II-induced hypertension in males, independent of nephron loss or decreases in body weight or kidney function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The impact of acute intermittent hypoxia (IH) in early life on blood pressure in adulthood is unknown. This study used a new model exposing female and male rat pups to acute IH in the first 8 days of life, without exposing the dam. Although baseline blood pressure was not altered in adulthood, IH increased susceptibility to angiotensin II hypertension only in males, supporting increased susceptibility of males exposed to IH to a second cardiovascular stressor.