HSD11B2 and Hypertension: Studies in humans suggest that 11βHSD2 in the brain may contribute to abnormal sodium homeostasis: increased salt appetite has been reported in AME15 and loss-of-function variants positively associate with sodium intake in the general population.16 Moreover, the sympathetic nervous system is activated in Hsd11b2 null mice, contributing importantly to the maintenance of hypertension in these animals.11