Thiocyanate Effect on Sodium Excretion in Normotensive and Hypertensive Subjects.

Abstract

A small but highly significant Na diuresis accompanied short-term thiocyanate admn. to uncomplicated hypertensive subjects on constant dietary regimens. Although slight but insignificant differences were observed between the mean responses of normotensives as compared to hypertensives, it was suggested that the similarity was attributable to the presence of a few hyperreactive and perhaps prehypertensive individuals in the normotensive series. The conversion of thiocyanate to cyanide in vivo was confirmed. Thiocyanate-induced Na depletion was suggested as a possible factor in the depressor action of this agent, mediated either directly or through derived cyanide.