HYPOKALEMIA STIMULATES PLASMA EPINEPHRINE AND NOREPINEPHRINE IN THE RAT

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 260  (1) , 78-82
Abstract
The effect of dietary K depletion on plasma and urinary catecholamines in the rat was examined. Ingestion of a K-deficient diet for 45 days increased plasma norepinephrine by 80% and plasma epinephrine by 270%. Urinary excretion of epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine were not significantly affected by hypokalemia. The increase in plasma catecholamines may be mediated reflexively by an accompanying increase in vasodilator agents or may represent a direct stress effect of hypokalemia on the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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