[The osmoregulatory and natriuretic functions of the kidneys in the early stages of the evolution of hypertension].

Overall 78 men were examined. Of these, 30 presented with borderline arterial hypertension (BAH), 30 with stage I essential hypertension (EH), and 18 healthy subjects served as control. To assess osmoregulating and natriuretic renal functions, water and water plus salt were administered (at a rate of 22 ml water or isotonic sodium chloride per kg bw). Use was made of classic approaches in this case, with the determination of K+, Na+ excretion, blood plasma and urine osmolarity, calculation of the concentration index, clearance of osmotic-active substances and free water, total reabsorption of Na in the distal parts of nephron and intensity of that process. Besides, flame photometry was employed to measure blood K+, Na+ concentration and RIA to examine plasma renin activity. The data obtained indicate the heterogeneity of the patients with BAH and stage I EN according to the response to water and water and salt administration. Approximately 1/3 of the patients showed a tendency towards water retention in the body as well, which is common to patients with the volume-dependent form of arterial hypertension. In that case the compensatory potentialities of modulating renin-angiotensin system activity were preserved.