[Erythrocyte membrane permeability of monovalent cations in rats with spontaneous arterial hypertension].

Intraerythrocyte Na and K concentrations were not different in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) from those of normotensive rats (WKY). During incubation of the cells in LiCl solution for 24 h at 2-4 degrees C Li accumulation and K efflux in erythrocytes of SHR were higher as compared to WKY. A positive linear correlation was found between influx of Li and efflux of K in the erythrocytes. Li efflux from the erythrocytes at 37 degrees C was independent of the presence of a Na medium that indicated the absence of Na-Li countertransport in rat erythrocytes. There was no difference in Li efflux in both rat groups. The results provide further evidence in favor of the hypothesis of increased passive permeability for monovalent cations in erythrocytes of SHR.