The Effect of Heparin on Sodium Conservation and on the Plasma Concentration, the Metabolic Clearance and the Secretion and Excretion Rates of Aldosterone in Normal Subjects

The effects of heparin administration on various aspects of the response to Na restriction have been investigated in a group of carefully studied healthy subjects. Administration of heparin following the attainment of Na balance during Na restriction resulted in a decline in the plasma aldosterone concentration and in the aldosterone excretion and secretion rates; natriuresis and an increase in salivary Na/K ratio also occurred. No change in the metabolic clearance of aldosterone was observed. Plasma renin activity was increased during heparin administration and no change in plasma renin substrate concentration occurred (one subject). Administration of heparin both before and during Na restriction almost completely inhibited the increase in aldosterone production but the decline in urinary Na excretion during the adjustment period was not greatly altered when compared to that occurring in the absence of heparin.