Na+ reabsorption by the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in cortical collecting duct provides
the final renal adjustment to Na+ balance, there being no further downstream Na+ transport
system. This fact coupled with the responsiveness of ENaC to aldosterone, which conveys
stimulation inversely proportional to the state of Na+ balance, places ENaC in a pivotal
position to influence the risk for hypertension. Although several molecular variants of ENaC
subunits have been identified, there has been no consistent demonstration of an association …