Na+-Li+ countertransport in human erythrocytes--effects of hypokalaemia, oral contraceptives and antihypertensive medication
Beuckelmann, D.; Meyer, H.D.; Erdmann, E.
Klinische Wochenschrift 63(Suppl 3): 139-142
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-2173 PMID: 3999632 Document Number: 417244
A series of experiments were conducted to analyze the sodium-lithium countertransport in subjects with hypertension, chronic hypokalemia, and those taking oral contraceptives (OCs). A significantly higher transport rate was observed in hypertensive subjects than in normotensive controls. An elevated sodium-lithium transport rate was also observed in normotensive women on OCs compared to women not on hormonal medication. Patients with chronic hypokalemia showed the highest values of all. No significant correlation between age and transport values was found in any of the groups. These results have been confirmed in other studies. It is concluded that antihypertensive medication does not correct the underlying pathophysiologic changes of the cell membrane. The results suggest that regulation of the sodium-lithium countertransport by the renin-aldosterone system seems possible.