Myocardial sodium and potassium content in relation to blood pressure

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Abstract
In rats made hypotensive through potassium deprivation, there is a slight loss in myocardial potassium but a significant increase in sodium content. Restoration of blood pressure following cortisone or prednisone administration is associated with removal of the excess myocardial sodium. 9α-Fluorohydrocortisone partially reduces the sodium but further decreases the potassium of the heart, resulting in an unchanged high Na/K ratio. No elevation of blood pressure follows its administration. DCA causes a further lowering of blood pressure associated with an even higher Na/K ratio of the myocardium through a decrease in potassium and an increase in sodium contents.