Summary:
Considerable evidence exists indicating that pressure-volume regulation, based on the pressure-natriuresis/diuresis
phenomena, is of fundamental importance in maintaining long-term arterial pressure – a theory evolved by A. C.
Guyton and his co-workers during the four last decades. In all forms of hypertension studied so far, the pressure
natriuresis is abnormal. The present article focuses on selected, well-documented examples illustrating how
experimental and clinical impairment of renal structure and its blood supply contributed to our understanding of the
aetiology and pathogenesis of hypertension. Partial nephrectomy, transplantation, renal hypoperfusion and hypersecretion
of natrium-retaining hormones represent the major topics discussed in the article.
Key words:
hypertension, renal output curve, pressure natriuresis, kidney transplantation, salt-sensitive hypertension,
Goldblatt hypertension, escape phenomena, circadian rhythm of blood pressure.
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