Hemostatic factors and renin in Greenland Eskimos on a high eicosapentaenoic acid intake. Results of the Fifth UmanaK Expedition.

The Fifth UmanaK expedition compared the fatty acid composition of platelets, bleeding times before and after ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid, 24-hour urinary tetranorprostanedioate, creatinine and Na output, as well as plasma renin, serum electrolytes and antithrombin III in 20 Greenland Eskimos and 20 Danes. The results indicate that the prostaglandin production was not inhibited in the Eskimos, and that the antiaggregatory prostanoids predominate in Eskimos compared to Danes. Although blood pressure and 24-hour urinary Na output were similar, the plasma renin level was significantly higher in the Eskimos on a high eicosapentaenoic acid intake.