EFFECTS OF ADRENALECTOMY AND ADRENERGIC ANTAGONISTS ON POTASSIUM METABOLISM

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 203  (1) , 103-111
Abstract
Drugs which stimulate B2 adrenergic receptors decreased hyperkalemia produced by infused KCl and thus protected animals against KCl intoxication; these effects were mediated by an action of B2 agonists which enhanced tissue K+ uptake. Cats were given an i.v. infusion of KCl which was not lethal in control animals. Acute adrenalectomy markedly increased hyperkalemic and mortality responses to infused KCl. This impairment in K+ metabolism was corrected by administration of epinephrine but not by hydrocortisone. Pretreatment with propranolol (which blocks B1- and B2-receptors) and H35/25 (which blocks B2 receptors) produced a similar impairment in K+ metabolism; practolol (which blocks B1 receptors) had little or no effect on mortality and hyperkalemic responses to infused KCl. KCl apparently stimulates an adrenal release of catecholamines. This stimulation of adrenal release may be important in conferring resistance to intoxication produced by infused KCl since the released amines can attenuate the KCl-induced hyperkalemia via a B2 action which enhances tissue uptake of K+.