DOES ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION INFLUENCE URI NARY TAMM-HORSFALL PROTEIN EXCRETION

Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is a glycosylated polypeptide, secreted by epithelial cells in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. The urin ary secretion rate seems to interfere with the distal tubular function . The aim of this study was to compare urinary excretion of THP after physical exercise in normotensives and hypertensives. 17 normotensives (41 +/- 2.8 years) and 17 treated, essential hypertensives (44 +/- 2. 7 years) underwent a standardized work load on a bicycle ergometer. Be fore, 15 and 45 minutes after exercise, biochemical characterization o f the urinary proteins was performed. In both groups physical exercise provoked an increase in the urinary THP/creatinine excretion ratio. T he onset of excretion was earlier in hypertensive group. The determina tion of THP excretion in urine after exercise may be helpful in detect ing altered renal function in hypertension which are undetectable at r est.