DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO SODIUM ADMINISTRATION IN NORMOTENSIVE WHITE AND BLACK SUBJECTS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 90  (3) , 555-562
Abstract
In order to examine possible differences in PRA [plasma renin activity], PA [plasma aldosterone] and renal electrolyte excretion in normotensive black and white subjects, 68 age-matched subjects: 19 white men, 19 black men, 15 white women and 15 black women were studied. PRA was measured before and after the infusion of 2 l of normal saline to evaluate suppression of the renin-aldosterone system. The excretion of Na, K and creatinine in response to the salt load was monitored for 24 h. PRA and PA measurements were repeated after 2 h of ambulation on the morning following salt loading. Dietary Na was then restricted and oral furosemide (120 mg) was administered in order to assess PRA and PA responsiveness to Na and volume depletion. White and black subjects had similar PRA and PA responses to normal saline and furosemide administration. Over a 24 h period, black subjects excreted significantly less Na and K following the salt load than did white subjects. The PRA values of black subjects 24 h following the salt load were significantly suppressed as well. These observations suggest that there may be racial differences in renal Na excretion reflected by decreased urinary Na excretion and a relative suppression of PRA following a salt load in black persons.

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