[Increased erythrocyte Na+ in genetic hypertension in the rat].

A rise in erythrocyte Na+ content secondary to a sodium rich diet has been observed in genetically hypertensive Rats and in Rats with a predisposition to develop hypertension under the influence of Na+ loading. In contrast, such a rise is absent in Rats with a genetic resistance to the development of hypertension. Hence, the determination of erythrocyte Na+ after exposure to a sodium load may permit the characterization of primary hypertension.