Intracellular concentrations and ouabain-induced fluxes of sodium and potassium in erythrocytes of normotensive Zimbabweans.
Intracellular Na and K concentrations as well as ouabain-induced transmembrane net Na and K fluxes were measures in erythrocytes (TBC) of 22 adult Black male Zimbabweans. The intracellular Na concentration was 9.1 +/- 0.44 mmol/l RBC, the K concentration 90.7 +/- 1.33 mmol/l RBC and the ouabain (0.1 mM)-induced Na influx 1.55 +/- 0.132 mmol/hr.1 RBC. The intracellular Na concentration is higher than most values reported from studies of Whites, but the intracellular K concentration and the ouabain-induced Na influx compare with literature values. No significant correlation was found between intracellular Na concentration and blood pressure.