The role of Na,K-ATPase inhibitors in hypertension and end-stage renal disease.

Objective: To review the role of Na,K-ATPase inhibitors in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and hypertension associated with end-stage renal disease.
Data Sources: MEDLINE search, 1966 to 1997.
Results: There is a suggestive physiologic and epidemiologic relationship between Na,K-ATPase inhibition and hypertension. However, clearance data cannot support the hypothesis that differential metabolism of this family of compounds explains the improved hypertensive control seen in patients on peritoneal dialysis compared to those on hemodialysis.
Conclusions: As a result of the complex methodologies involved, it is unclear whether Na,K-ATPase inhibitors play a significant role in the hypertension of end-stage renal disease in general and peritoneal dialysis in particular.