Effect of weight-reducing diet on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Spontaneously hypertensive rats were placed on weight-reducing diets either by limiting regular feedings to twice weekly or by providing half the normal ration daily. Significant reductions in body weight and blood pressure were observed at 2,4, and 6 weeks after beginning the diet. Blood pressure fell despite maintenance of a normal or elevated sodium intake indicating that the reduction was not secondary to decreased sodium intake. Reinstitution of a normal food intake resulted in a return of body weight and blood pressure