Cellular sodium concentration and vasoconstrictor state in hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Cellular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cellular sodium content is implicated in vascular tone regulation.
• Previous studies suggest elevated leucocyte sodium in essential hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between peripheral blood leucocyte sodium content and the vasoconstrictor state.
• To assess the effect of verapamil on leucocyte sodium content in patients with essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of forearm blood flow parameters in normal subjects.
• Estimation of leucocyte sodium content in essential hypertensive patients before and after verapamil treatment.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was observed between peripheral vascular resistance and leucocyte sodium content (p<0.05).
• A negative correlation was found between venous compliance (VV60) and leucocyte sodium content (p<0.001).
• Leucocyte sodium content was abnormally high in hypertensive patients and normalized after verapamil therapy.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral blood leucocyte sodium content is linked to the vasoconstrictor state.
• Verapamil treatment may reverse elevated leucocyte sodium in essential hypertension.
• Findings support a role for cellular sodium in cardiovascular regulation.