Erythrocyte transmembrane Na and K fluxes in pseudohypoaldosteronism

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) is a disease characterized by hyponatremia, hypotension, and dehydratation, despite the presence of hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism. The membrane-bound Na,K ATPase activity and the transmembrane Na and K transport systems have been studied in vitro in red blood cells of two subjects, son and mother, affected by pseudohypoaldosteronism with different degrees of clinical involvement. Both parameters were significantly altered suggesting that the refractory response to mineralocorticoids is detectable, not only in kidneys and salivary and sweat glands, but also in red blood cells. Since pseudohypoaldosteronism, in its asymptomatic form, may be much more common than expected, we suggest the use of the tests described herein as a practical approach to the early diagnosis of pseudohypoaldosteronism in the investigation of sodium wasting syndromes.