SODIUM-LITHIUM COUNTERTRANSPORT - PHYSIOLOGY AND FUNCTION

Current opinions on the relationships between erythrocyte sodium-lithi um countertransport kinetics and primary hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetic disease nephropathy are reviewed. Problems associated wi th the assay are analysed. Some possible mechanisms that could modify the kinetics of ion exchange are examined. The question of what cataly ses sodium-lithium countertransport is discussed, but not answered. So me models are put forward showing how a study of sodium-lithium counte rtransport kinetics could further our understanding of important disea se processes. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.