RELEVANCE OF ERYTHROCYTE NA+ LI+ COUNTERTRANSPORT MEASUREMENT IN ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION, HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY - A CRITICAL-REVIEW/

In this review the usefulness of the measurement of erythrocyte Na+/Li + countertransport (Na+/Li+ CT) activity is evaluated. In particular, the association between enhanced erythrocyte Na+/Li+ CT activity and e ssential hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy is dis cussed. The conclusion of this review is that elevated erythrocyte Na/Li+ CT activity is associated with essential hypertension and hyperli pidaemia. A relationship between Na+/Li+ CT activity and diabetic neph ropathy is less evident. Despite a significant link of Na+/Li+ CT acti vity with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, the diagnostic significanc e of Na+/Li+ CT activity is low. This is due to the large overlap betw een the results of control subjects and patients. The factors that con tribute to this broad range are discussed in detail.