Comparison of circadian rhythms of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and electrolytes in clinically healthy young women in Fukuoka (Japan) and Minnesota (USA)

Abstract

Circadian rhythms of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (R-A-A) system and electrolytes were evaluated in young healthy Fukuokan (Japan) and Minnesotan (USA) women. A similar protocol was used and each group remained on its usual diet. Blood was taken for 24 h at 4 h intervals from 8 a.m. during which time urine samples were also collected. The determinations in both groups were made in a laboratory in Japan. Plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration and aldosterone excretion rate showed similar circadian rhythms in both groups. However, those values at each sampling time and each span were always significantly higher in the Americans while the urinary Na and Cl excretions and blood pressure were higher in Japanese. The significant differences in the R-A-A system and blood pressure levels between these two groups may be due to the large amount of salt consumed by the Japanese.