Effects of sodium-transport inhibition in human resistance arteries

It is hypothesized that endogenous inhibitors of active sodium transport may lead to an increase in peripheral vascular resistance. From studies in animal conduit arteries there is substantial evidence that cardiac glycosides may increase tension. A number of studies from our laboratory demonstrate that inhibition of active sodium transport may also increase tension in human resistance arteries, and that reduced Ca efflux via Na/Ca exchange could be a contributory mechanism. Further experiments also have suggested that endogenous inhibitors of sodium transport could lead to an increase in peripheral vascular resistance by reducing endothelium-dependent relaxation.