The effect of dietary linoleic acid on blood pressure and erythrocyte sodium transport
el Ashry, A.; Heagerty, A.M.; Ollerenshaw, J.D.; Thurston, H.
Journal of Human Hypertension 3(1): 9-15
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0950-9240 PMID: 2724276 Document Number: 331529
The influence of an increase in the polyunsaturated fat linoleic acid on blood pressure and erythrocyte membrane sodium transport was investigated in normotensive first-degree relatives of hypertensive patients and controls by double-blind treatment with safflower oil or paraffin oil (placebo) capsules for 4 weeks separated by a 4-week washout period. Systolic blood pressure decreased in the controls with linoleic acid supplementation but there was no significant change in total Na efflux rate constant. When the pattern of response was compared the changes in supine systolic blood pressure, plasma renin activity, total and ouabain-sensitive sodium efflux rate constant were significantly different in the controls compared with the relatives. Results show that dietary linoleic acid supplementation may have effects on ionic fluxes across cell membranes and cause a modest decrease in blood pressure. In addition, as the response to the change in fat intake was different in the relatives and the controls, this provides further evidence of differences in the physicochemical structure of the plasma membrane in hypertensive subjects and their offspring.