Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Mesenteric Artery Contraction and Relaxation Studies Using Automated Wire Myography
Published on: September 22, 2011
[Intracellular content of sodium and potassium in patients with hypertension]
Abstract:
The sodium and potassium contents in the erythrocytes was studied in 31 persons: 15 hypertensive patients in I stage of the disease and 16 persons with normal arterial pressure as a reference group. In the hypertensive patients a light degree, statistically insignificant increase of the intracellular sodium concentration compared to that of the normotensive persons was found (7.62 mmol/l cells against 6.58 mmol/l cells). No differences in the potassium contents were established. These light degree changes of the intracellular sodium contents in hypertensive patients I stage could be assessed more precisely if a parallel study of the activity of the sodium transport transmembrane mechanisms is carried out.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Reabsorption and Secretion in the Loop of Henle
Roles of Electrolytes: Sodium and Potassium
Regulation of Sodium and Potassium
Sodium Regulation
Sodium ions make up approximately 90% of extracellular cations, with a normal blood plasma concentration of 136–148 mEq/L. A decrease in blood volume and pressure triggers the release of renin from granular cells in the juxtaglomerular complex (JGC), primarily in...

