Erythrocyte 22_Na⁺ Influx in Hypertension

Abstract

We assessed 22_Na⁺ uptake by erythrocytes (RBC) from 38 individuals with essential hypertension and 37 healthy controls. All subjects were male, white, non-obese and with normal renal function, obviating sex, race, hormonal, ponderal and renal factors known to influence RBC Na⁺ handling. The mean±sem 22_Na⁺ uptake of the patients was 284 ± 16 μmole/liter RBC/hour while that of normal controls was 249 ± 11 μmole/liter RBC/hour; although the difference reached borderline significance, individual values showed considerable overlap. Consequently, in our population, RBC 22_Na ⁺ uptake is not a reliable marker for essential hypertension. We believe that previous studies should be reassessed with regard to patients' characteristics and future studies employ rigorous criteria in selection of subjects

Key Words:

• Hypertension Erythrocyte
• Sodium transport