Recent preclinical studies show renal
denervation (RDNx) may be an effective treatment for
hypertension; however, the mechanism remains unknown. We have recently reported total RDNx (TRDNx) and afferent-selective RDNx (ARDNx) similarly attenuated the development of
deoxycorticosterone acetate (
DOCA)-
salt hypertension. Whereas TRDNx abolished renal
inflammation, ARDNx had a minimal effect despite an identical
antihypertensive effect. Although this study established that ARDNx attenuates the development of
DOCA-
salt hypertension, it is unknown whether this mechanism remains operative once
hypertension is established. The current study tested the hypothesis that TRDNx and ARDNx would similarly decrease mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the
DOCA-
salt hypertensive rat, and only TRDNx would mitigate renal
inflammation. After 21 days of
DOCA-
salt treatment, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent TRDNx ( n = 16), ARDNx ( n = 16), or
Sham ( n = 14) treatment and were monitored for 14 days. Compared with baseline, TRDNx and ARDNx decreased MAP similarly (TRDNx -14 ± 4 and ARDNx -15 ± 6 mmHg). After analysis of diurnal rhythm, rhythm-adjusted mean and amplitude of night/day cycle were also reduced in TRDNx and ARDNx groups compared with
Sham. Notably, no change in renal
inflammation, injury, or function was detected with either treatment. We conclude from these findings that: 1) RDNx mitigates established
DOCA-
salt hypertension; 2) the MAP responses to RDNx are primarily mediated by ablation of afferent renal nerves; and 3) renal nerves do not contribute to the maintenance of renal
inflammation in
DOCA-
salt hypertension.