Endogenous sodium pump inhibitors and blood pressure regulation: an update on recent progress

Rapid progress has occurred recently in understanding the origin, chemistry, synthesis, control, and actions of endogenous materials that may be ligands for the cardiac glycoside binding site on the mammalian sodium pump (Na,K-ATPase). The present paper reviews this progress and examines in detail the evidence supporting ouabain-like and bufodienolide-like compounds as functioning in endogenous control of sodium pump activity, renal sodium excretion, blood pressure, and cardiovascular contractility. Other novel compounds identified in this search as potentially influencing natriuresis and blood pressure are also discussed.