A, Kidney microvascular mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators, VCAM, ICAM and P-selectin increased 1.6-, 1.9- and 3.7-fold, respectively, in HT SS rats and were significantly higher than levels observed in the microvessels of Pre-HT SS, Pre-HT SSEts1+/−, and HT SSEts1+/− rats. *p-value < 0.05 versus Pre-HT SS, Pre-HT SSEts1+/−, and HT SSEts1+/− groups; n=6 animals in each group. B, Kidney microvascular mRNA expression of fibrotic molecules, TGF-β, collagen I and osteopontin increased 1.5-, 1.6- and 2.3-fold, respectively, in HT SS rats and were greater than corresponding levels in microvessels of Pre-HT SS, Pre-HT SSEts1+/−, and HT SSEts1+/− rats. *p-value < 0.05 versus Pre-HT SS, Pre-HT SSEts1+/−, and HT SSEts1+/− groups; n=6 animals in each group.