Cation transport markers as predictors of hypertension.
Of the abnormalities of cation transport described in human essential hypertension, an increased maximal activity for red blood cell lithium-sodium (RBC Li(+)-Na+) countertransport is the most appealing candidate for a genetically mediated marker for risk of future hypertension. Population studies have demonstrated that the distribution of values for countertransport can be modelled statistically as a mixture of two overlapping subpopulations. These two modes could result from the action of a single principal determinant, and pedigree-based studies of the genetic transmission of RBC Li(+)-Na+ intertransport activity have suggested that factor may represent the effect of a major monogenic influence segregating in a Mendelian recessive fashion. Although the molecular nature of the proposed genetic lesion underlying high RBC Li(+)-Na+ countertransport is not yet known, a recent linkage study suggests it may be localized to chromosome 4. A preliminary report of a prospective analysis of the predictive value of high RBC Li(+)-Na+ countertransport for future hypertension supports its utility as a premorbid marker for genetic risk of future hypertension. Allelic differences at a genetic locus controlling RBC Li(+)-Na+ countertransport activity may contribute directly to interdividual blood pressure differences or may be linked to other genes that do.
Weder
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AB
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0356.
D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D002412:Cations / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D002412:Cations