title: Role of the epithelial sodium channel in salt-sensitive hypertension.
abstract: The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a heteromeric channel composed of three similar but distinct subunits, α, β and γ. This channel is an end-effector in the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and resides in the apical plasma membrane of the renal cortical collecting ducts, where reabsorption of Na(+) through ENaC is the final renal adjustment step for Na(+) balance. Because of its regulation and function, the ENaC plays a critical role in modulating the homeostasis of Na(+) and thus chronic blood pressure. The development of most forms of hypertension requires an increase in Na(+) and water retention. The role of ENaC in developing high blood pressure is exemplified in the gain-of-function mutations in ENaC that cause Liddle's syndrome, a severe but rare form of inheritable hypertension. The evidence obtained from studies using animal models and in human patients indicates that improper Na(+) retention by the kidney elevates blood pressure and induces salt-sensitive hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Jia-ning
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Qiu-shi
authors.initials: QS
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yu-chun
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: He-ping
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Zhi-ren
authors.initials: ZR
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D053503:Epithelial Sodium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D020303:Rats, Inbred Dahl; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D053503:Epithelial Sodium Channels; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary