The Na+/H+ antiport: a target for new antihypertensive agents
Denolle, T.; Plouin, P.F.
Therapie 44(3): 215-217
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5957 PMID: 2551056 Document Number: 341556
The sodium-hydrogen (Na+/H+) antiport is electroneutral and amiloride-sensitive. It exchanges Na+ for H+ with a coupling ratio of 1:1 and therefore, it has important cellular functions: intracellular pH and cell volume regulation, control of the cell differentiation and growth. Its activity is increased in hypertension. The responsibility of the Na+/H+ antiport in essential hypertension may result in increased vascular tone and vascular hyperplasia. Amiloride is a specific inhibitor of this exchanger but under physiological conditions, very high concentrations of this drug (that are unlikely to be attained in vivo) are required to inhibit the activity of the Na+/H+ antiport. Certain of its analogues are much more potent in vitro than amiloride. Therefore, the Na+/H+ antiport may become a target for new antihypertensive drugs.