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Impaired cytochrome P450 epoxygenase enzyme (Cyp2c) regulation contributes to renal damage in angiotensin salt-sensitive hypertension (ANG/HS). We hypothesized that interleukin-6 null mice (IL6–/–) would improve Cyp2c regulation and reduce renal damage in hypertensive mice fed a high salt diet. Systolic blood pressure increased to a greater extent in ANG/HS hypertension as compared to angiotensin (ANG) hypertension but blood pressure did not differ between WT and IL6–/– hypertensive groups. Albuminuria, a marker for renal injury, increased significantly in ANG/HS hypertension in WT mice (5,113 ± 1,050 μg/day) and was attenuated in the ANG/HS IL6–/– group (1,306 ± 385 μg/day). Renal Cyp2c protein expression significantly decreased with ANG/HS hypertension in WT mice as compared to high salt alone. However, the ability to upregulate Cyp2c expression in response to a high salt diet was restored in the ANG/HS IL6 deficient hypertensive mice. Renal expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase, which inactivates protective epoxygenase metabolites, was significantly reduced in ANG/HS IL6–/– hypertensive mice compared to the ANG/HS WT group. These data suggest that IL6, while having no effect on blood pressure, impairs regulation of epoxygenase producing Cyp2c, which could contribute to the development of renal injury in angiotensin salt-sensitive hypertension. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]