title: A case of juvenile essential hypertension: implications of erythrocyte net Na+, K+ flux measurement.
abstract: In recent studies were reported an inherited membrane defect which is closely related to the development of essential hypertension. This abnormality consists of a functional deficiency in the Na+--K+ co-transport mechanism in erythrocytes of essential hypertensives and some normotensives born of hypertensive parents. Here we report a case of juvenile essential hypertension including familial erythrocyte Na+, K+ measurements. The 2-year-old boy had essential hypertension and bore the abnormality, with no compensatory activity of the Na+, K+ pump. The mother had developed hypertension during pregnancy. She also bore the erythrocyte abnormality as the net Na+/K+ flux ratio was reduced. One sister bore the same abnormality without hypertension but a complete analysis of Na+ extrusion mechanisms in this patient demonstrated a compensatory effect of the Na+, K+ pump activity. Other members of the family were normotensive without the flux abnormality. It appears therefore that erythrocyte flux measurements might be of diagnostic and genetic interest in juvenile hypertension.
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium; D011433:Propranolol; D011188:Potassium