To the sources of primary hypertension: Bioenergetic approach

Developing the membrane concept of pathogenesis of primary (essential) hype rtension the author considers the widespread alteration of ion transport fu nction of cellular membranes as a consequence of impaired ability of the me mbranes to support constant values of the ion concentration gradient in the cytoplasm. Regarding the intracellular space bounded by the membrane barri er as stable non-equilibrium thermodynamic system, the author reaches the c onclusion that alteration in ion transport systems as well as other changes of physico-chemical properties of membranes are caused by insufficient rec overy of thermodynamic potential of intracellular space due to chronic defi cit (absolute or relative) of free energy ensuring ion transport against th e concentration gradient. This conclusion is based on specific features in the functioning of high energy phosphate system found in various types of t issues in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in patients with essential hy pertension, and also, apparently, in manifestations of the metabolic syndro me in essentially hypertensive humans and in similar metabolic alterations in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The causes of the chronic energy defici t are yet to be determined but it is obvious that the search for genomic de terminants of primary hypertension should be considerably widened.