title: Hormonal and nutritional enhancement of Na+-K+-ATPase activity may aid the prevention and treatment of essential hypertension.
abstract: Subnormal activity of the Na+-K+-ATPase appears to be a common feature of essential hypertension, and may in fact play a pathogenic role in this disorder. If so, methods which relieve inhibition or enhance the activity of the sodium pump should have therapeutic or preventive value. Diuretics enhance the activity of the sodium pump in hypertensives, apparently by suppressing secretion of an inhibitory natriuretic factor, and it is likely that low-sodium diets have a similar effect. Activity of the Na+-K+-ATPase is also stimulated by thyroid hormone and insulin, and there are indications that thyroid therapy, as well as various measures which increase tissue insulin sensitivity, may have therapeutic value in essential hypertension. Nutritional measures which may enhance sodium pump activity include potassium supplementation, insurance of adequate magnesium intake, and consumption of rich sources of gamma-linolenic acid.
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000097:blood; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D008042:Linolenic Acids; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium