Ion transport, prostaglandins, and essential hypertension

Prostaglandins (including PGE1, PGE2 and PGI2) showed little or no effect on Na+ and K+ transport across human red cell membranes. Conversely, they were able to: i) inhibit Na+, K+ cotransport system, ii) stimulate Na+, K+-pump and iii) stimulate Na+, Ca2+ exchange in mouse macrophages. These effects which seem to be mediated by cyclic AMP, provoke a more rapid extrusion of a cell Na+ -load. This may counterbalance the abnormal cell Na+ regulation that appears to be associated with essential hypertension.