NLRP3 and hypertensive disorder: The purpose of this study was to characterize P2X7 receptors in the inflammatory cells infiltrating tubulointerstitium in Ang II-induced hypertension, to evaluate proinflammatory cytokine release and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as to study the effects resulting from the chronic administration of a P2X7 antagonist in the renal function, glomerular hemodynamics and tubulointerstitial inflammation.