EFFECT OF EPINEPHRINE ON URINARY pH AND ELECTROLYTE EXCRETION IN MAN*

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Abstract
The effect of subcutaneously administered epinephrine urinary pH and on water, Na and K excretion was studied in 10 normal, active subjects and in 2 patients. One patient received epinephrine twice within an interval of 3 days, during a period of high-salt intake. A 3rd injn. was given the same patient after a 3-week period of severe salt restriction. Eight of the 10 normal subjects reacted to epinephrine with an increase in urinary pH, and 7 of the 10 exhibited diuresis. Changes in Na and K excretion were inconsistent. In the 3 expts. with patients on a normal salt intake, epinephrine caused a pronounced increase in the pH of the urine, as well as water and electrolyte diuresis. The patient who had been on a low-salt diet showed practically no changes in urinary electrolyte and water excretion following epinephrine. Urinary pH did not change. It is suggested that the difference between the reactions observed in the normal subjects and in the patients may depend upon the difference in their adrenergic activities. It is further proposed that changes in adrenergic activity may play a role in the pattern of the diurnal rhythm of water and electrolyte excretion.