Figure 4. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 in each group): group 1, NS (0–8 weeks); group 2, switched from HS (0–4 weeks) to NS (4–8 weeks) (HS-NS); group 3, switched from HS+tempol (0–4 weeks) to NS (at 4–8 weeks) (HS+tempol-NS); and group 4, switched from HS (0–4 weeks) to NS+eplerenone (100 mg/kg/day, orally, 4–8 weeks) (HS-NS+eplerenone).

Tempol was withdrawn at week 4 in group 3. Eplerenone treatment was started from week 4. The experimental period was 8 weeks.