Primary dysregulation of the epithelial sodium channel, manifested by continuing Na+
channel activity despite dietary salt excess, would cause inappropriate renal sodium
reabsorption, blunted sodium excretion, and low-renin hypertension. There are now well-
characterized genetic causes of hypertension in human pedigrees, which are explained by
inappropriate and/or constitutive activation of the epithelial Na+ channel. Although Liddle's
syndrome has been the most thoroughly investigated, the incidence of such activating …