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Dissociation of changes in sodium transport in erythrocytes from changes in blood pressure
M R Wilkins1, P E Jennings, M J West
1Department of Therapeutics, Medical School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
Insights
Reduced sodium ion transport across cell membranes is seen in essential hypertension. However, similar abnormalities in diabetes mellitus suggest this ion transport issue may not cause hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Cellular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Essential hypertension is linked to reduced sodium (Na+) ion transport across cell membranes.
- The role of this ion transport abnormality in causing high blood pressure is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential etiological significance of Na+ ion transport abnormalities in essential hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Na+ ion transport in erythrocytes (red blood cells) from patients with essential hypertension and normotensive individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Main Results:
- Similar abnormalities in Na+ ion transport were observed in erythrocytes from normotensive patients with diabetes mellitus.
- This suggests the observed ion transport defect may not be specific to or causative of hypertension.
Conclusions:
- The observed Na+ ion transport abnormalities in essential hypertension may not be of etiological significance.
- These abnormalities might be secondary to other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, rather than a primary cause of hypertension.
Abstract:
There is considerable evidence to suggest that the transport of Na+ ions across cell membranes is reduced in essential hypertension. The contribution of this abnormality to the development of elevated blood pressure remains unknown. We have observed similar abnormalities in erythrocytes from normotensive patients with diabetes mellitus and suggest that they may not be of aetiological significance in hypertension.