Evidence of Altered Permeability of the Erythrocyte Membrane for Sodium and Potassium ions in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

1. Erythrocyte membrane permeability to sodium and potassium ions was studied in 8–10 weeks spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, Kyoto/Wistar strain), normotensive Wistar and Sprague—Dawley rats.

2. The rate of ²²Na efflux from the erythrocytes and the rate constant of Na/Na exchange were considerably greater in SHR than in normotensive Wistar and Sprague—Dawley rats. This difference remained the same in rats adrenalectomized 7 days before the experiment. The maximum difference in the constants was found when the sodium—potassium pump was blocked by ouabain.

3. The accumulation of ⁴²K in the erythrocytes of SHR (the sodium—potassium pump being blocked) took place at a considerably slower rate, and the K⁺ wash-out into a potassium-free medium was faster than that in the normotensive Wistar and Sprague—Dawley rats.

4. These results indicate a higher permeability of the erythrocyte membrane of SHR for Na⁺ and K⁺, compared with normotensive Wistar and Sprague—Dawley strains. It is suggested that this may reflect a more widespread cell-membrane defect, which could serve as a general cause for activating the mechanisms maintaining high blood pressure.