Abstract: Provided is a method of analysing whether the blood pressure of a subject is sensitive to sodium intake and/or of assessing the susceptibility of a subject to develop hypertension. In the method erythrocytes of the subject are suspended in two sodium chloride solutions of about physiological osmolality. The sodium chloride concentration of one of the two solutions is at least about 25 mM lower than in the other solution. After allowing the suspended erythrocytes in the two sodium chloride solutions to settle for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of a supernatant the difference in height of the supernatant between the two sodium chloride solutions is detected. An increased difference in height of the supernatants, relative to a threshold value, indicates that the subject's blood pressure is sensitive to sodium intake and/or that the subject is susceptible to develop hypertension.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the diagnosis of membrane channel defects in cells by comparing defective with non-defective cells with the following steps: influencing the volume regulation of the cells; recording the change of volume regulation resulting therefrom in non-defective cells; determining the existence of defective cells with a volume change deviating therefrom, in order to provide a suitable method which enables the identification of diseases based on CFTR defects, in particular cystic fibrosis, at an early stage.

Abstract: Inhibitors of the cellular sodium-dependent chloride/bicarbonate exchangers show an inhibiting effect on the secretion of von-Willebrand factor. These inhibitors can therefore be employed for the treatment of thrombotic and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the diagnosis of membrane channel defects in cells by comparing defective with non-defective cells with the following steps: influencing the volume regulation of the cells; recording the change of volume regulation resulting therefrom in non-defective cells; determining the existence of defective cells with a volume change deviating therefrom, in order to provide a suitable method which enables the identification of diseases based on CFTR defects, in particular cystic fibrosis, at an early stage.

Abstract: Inhibitors of the cellular sodium/hydrogen exchangers show an inhibiting effect on the secretion of von-Willebrand factor and/or increased expression of P-selectin. These inhibitors can therefore be employed for the treatment of thrombotic and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Inhibitors of the cellular sodium-dependent chloride/bicarbonate exchangers show an inhibiting effect on the secretion of von-Willebrand factor. These inhibitors can therefore be employed for the treatment of thrombotic and inflammatory disorders.