[Content of total metabolic sodium in arterial hypertension of varying origin].

The content of total metabolizing sodium was studied in 74 patients with hypertension of different genesis, using the Na24-isotope dilution technique. Among these patients 31 had essential hypertension, 43--symptomatic hypertension (40--renal, and 3--adrenal). In Stage IB and IIA hypertension, a reduction of the level of total metabolizing sodium and its increased urine excretion were found. At late stages of essential hypertension, like in symptomatic renal hypertension, normal levels of total metabolizing sodium were found, or a slight tendency towards its elevation. In cases of adrenal hypertension (Conn's syndrome, pheochromocytoma) the level of total metabolizing sodium is significantly elevated. No correlation was seen between the levels of total metabolizing sodium, and plasma and erythrocytes sodium. The decrease of total metabolizing sodium at early stages of essential hypertension must be an adaptative reaction of the body, which is proved by the increased urine excretion of sodium.