Abnormal Na+K+ cotransport function in a group of patients with essential hypertension

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Abstract
In 50 normotensive controls, the increase in erythrocyte Na+ concentration up to 12.4 .+-. 2.0 mmol/l cells (mean .+-. SD) ensures half-maximal stimulation of outward Na+,K+ cotransport fluxes. Of 65 patients with essential hypertension, 46 required > 16 mmol/l cells of internal Na+ concentration to obtain a similar effect, strongly suggesting an abnormal cotransport function. Of 14 hypertensive patients with normal Na,K cotransport function, 7 showed Na+,Li+ countertransport fluxes higher than the normal upper limit of 220 .mu.mol (l cells h)-1. Conversely, countertransport fluxes were normal in 14 hypertensives with abnormal cotransport function. The total population of patients with essential hypertension apparently is heterogenous and includes one subgroup of subjects with abnormal Na+,K+ cotransport function, and another with increased Na+,Li+ countertransport fluxes.