Abnormal leucocyte composition and sodium transport in essential hypertension.

Cation transport and electrolyte composition were studied in leucocytes from 17 patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension. Significant increases in cell sodium and water contents, associated with a depression of the rate-constant for active sodium efflux, were found in the hypertensive patients. These abnormalities in cell sodium transport may possibly be related to mechanisms of hypertension.