Relationship between plasma sodium concentration and vascular reactivity in man

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Abstract

Experiments were done to study the effects of acute changes in plasma sodium concentration [Na] on vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine and to reflex sympathetic stimulation in man. [Na] in the venous return from the forearm of each of 21 normal subjects was reduced (to an average of 118 mEq/liter), increased (147 mEq/liter), and maintained within the normal range (140 mEq/liter) by means of infusions into the brachial artery of three solutions containing different [Na]. Mannitol or sucrose and disodium sulfate were substituted for sodium chloride to produce the desired changes in [Na] without changing blood osmolarity.

Authors

Donald D. Heistad, Francois M. Abboud, Dennis R. Ballard