Increased number of ouabain binding sites in lymphocytes from borderline hypertensives

Lymphocytes were used as a cellular model for the in vitro measurements of maximal ouabain binding sites in order to assess any changes in young men at increased risk of developing essential hypertension, and to analyse whether any such changes were associated to borderline hypertension and/or heredity. Four groups were evaluated; 28 normotensive (NTO) and 20 borderline hypertensive (BHO) offspring of hypertensives. Twelve borderline hypertensives (BH) and 28 normotensive subjects (NT) with normotensive parents. The number of ouabain binding sites were significantly increased in the borderline hypertensives irrespective of heredity. The borderline hypertensives were heavier than the normotensives. A stepwise multiple regression model was therefore used in order to control confoundings by body mass index (BMI) and other factors such as age, gamma glutamyl transferase, 24 h sodium excretion, serum triglyceride, and serum cholesterol, which may influence the number of ouabain binding sites. Only BMI entered the stepwise model. These results indicate the presence of an increased number of sodium-potassium pumps in lymphocytes from borderline hypertensives. This difference may be attributed to the blood pressure disease or increased body mass.