RENAL EXCRETION OF POTASSIUM IN NORMAL AND SODIUM DEPLETED DOGS*

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Abstract
The effect of Na depletion on plasma K concentration and on the capacity of the kidney to excrete K was examined. The renal excretion of K in Na depleted dogs was quantitatively similar to that of the control animal. Renal tubular secretion of K was demonstrated in severe Na depletion, and reduction of available Na could not be made a limiting factor for K excretion. The data suggest that the available Na in the distal tubule is not the sole factor governing K excretion in Na retaining states. It is proposed that a change in intracellular pH may be important in regulating K secretion under these circumstances. After Na depletion animals exhibited hyperkalemia which could not be attributed to failure of renal excretion of infused K. The cardiac toxicity of K in states of Na depletion was again demonstrated and appeared to be related to an increased extracellular K concentration.