BACKGROUND Most cases of hyponatremia--serum sodium concentration ([Na+]) < 135 mEq/l (< 135 mM)--are associated with an elevated plasma arginine vasopressin level. This study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous conivaptan (YM087), a vasopressin V1A/V2-receptor antagonist, in treating euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia. METHODS Eighty-four hospitalized patients with...

We investigated the properties of K(+) channels in the basolateral membrane of the cortical thick ascending limb (CTAL) using the patch-clamp technique. Approximately 34% of cell-attached patches contained an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel (K(+)-to-Na(+) permeability ratio approximately 22), having an inward conductance (G(in)) of 44 pS and an outward conductance (G(out)) of approximately 10 ...

The alkaline earth metals calcium and magnesium are critically involved in many biomolecular processes. To understand the hydration thermodynamics of these ions, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations using a polarizable potential. Particle-mesh Ewald for point multipoles has been applied to the calculation of electrostatic interactions. The parameters in this model have been determin...

Li(+) influx by bovine chromaffin cells, obtained from bovine adrenal medulla, was studied in intact cell suspensions using (7)Li NMR spectroscopy with the shift reagent [Tm(HDOTP)](4-). The influx rate constants, k(i), were determined in the absence and in the presence of two Na(+) membrane transport inhibitors. The values obtained indicate that both voltage sensitive Na(+) channels and (Na(+)...

BACKGROUND The 2010 Dietary Guidelines emphasized that dietary sodium should be limited to 2300 mg/d, with a lower limit of 1500 mg/d for adults aged >50 y, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease. The potassium goal remained at 4700 mg/d. OBJECTIVE The objective was to identify subpopulations for whom the 1500- or 2300-mg Na/d goals applied and t...

The Na/K ratio is considered to be a useful index, the monitoring of which allows an effective Na reduction and K increase, because practical methods (self-monitoring devices and reliable individual estimates from spot urine) are available for assessing these levels in individuals. An intervention trial for lowering the Na/K ratio has demonstrated that a reduction of the Na/K ratio mainly invol...

We present sodium abundances for a sample of nearby stars. All results have been derived from NLTE statistical equilibrium calculations. The influence of collisional interactions with electrons and hydrogen atoms is evaluated by comparison of the solar spectrum with very precise fits to the Na I line cores. The NLTE effects are more pronounced in metal-poor stars since the statistical equilibri...

Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. is a medicinal plant that has been used for the treatment of different ailments such as hypertension and diabetes in Ethiopia. This study aims to assess the diuretic activity of the aqueous crude extract and hot tea infusion of M. stenopetala leaves in saline-loaded rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into ten groups (n = 5). The control group received dist...