Membrane mechanisms in arterial hypertension.

The purpose of this review is to focus on alterations in vascular muscle membrane potentials (Em), ionic permeabilities, and ionic transport systems which may either contribute to or be a consequence of the hypertensive state. Three models of hypertension are discussed: 1) deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOCA-salt)-induced hypertension; 2) low-renin (presumably volume expanded) renal hypertension (LRRH); and 3) the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) of the Okamoto-Aoki Kyoto-Wistar strain and its normotensive genetic control (WKY). The importance of studying all possible mechanisms of increased contraction in vascular smooth muscle is stressed.