[Na, K-ATPase activity in the erythrocyte membrane preparations and kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats].

The enzyme activity in the cortex and medulla of the SHR was 1.5-2.0-fold lower than that of the WKY and Wistar rats. The Na, K-ATPase and Ca-ATPase activities were by 25 and 15% lower in the erythrocyte ghosts of the SHR than in normotensive rats. Removal of protein of the membrane skeleton from the erythrocyte membranes abolished the difference in the enzyme activity of normo- and hypertensive rats. The lower Na, K-ATPase activity in the SHR kidney seems to be an etiological factor in development of primary hypertension.