[Various properties of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase and the Mg (2+)-ATPase in erythrocytes from normotensive and hypertensive subjects].

In the present work we reported the results of the study of erythrocyte membrane Na+,K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and Mg(2+)-ATPase in patients with essential hypertension and controls. In the 40 patients with hypertension, a more marked decrease of Na+, K(+)-ATPase was observed. The behavior of the enzyme at Mg2+ activation, ouabain inhibition and the response to different temperature suggest the possibility of differences between the two groups. The normal erythrocyte Mg(2+)-ATPase activity in two groups suggest also the possible role of ratio Na+, K(+)-ATPase/Mg(2+)-ATPase in the study of essential hypertension. However the relevance of magnesium and Mg(2+)-ATPase to the pathogenesis of essential hypertension remains unclear but merits further study. On the basis of these considerations the aim of the present study was to identify, in a kinetic approach, the presence of different abnormalities of Na+ transport and Na+, K(+)-ATPase in erythrocytes from patients with essential hypertension. Much evidence has supported the hypothesis that essential hypertension is a heterogeneous disease in the pathophysiological mechanisms as well as in its clinical and therapeutical consideration.