Studies on the Mechanism of Hypotensive Action of Chlorothiazide

Abstract

MANY observations point to a relation existing between arterial hypertension and body sodium metabolism. Some clinical forms of hypertension (such as Cushing's syndrome and toxemia of pregnancy) are constantly accompanied by a marked sodium retention. Substitution of sodium chloride solution for drinking water leads to experimental hypertension in rats.¹ In human subjects prolonged heavy salt intake also seems to increase the occurrence of hypertension.² Chronic salt depletion in dogs prevents the development of experimental renal hypertension.³ A similar preventive effect of a diet containing a high ratio of potassium to sodium has been observed in rats.⁴ The hypotensive effect of . . .