Lidoplazine and Na and K distribution in normo-and hypokalaemic rats

The effects of lidoplazine on K-metabolism were investigated in two types of experiments. (1) K and Na concentrations were measured in plasma, heart, diaphragm and erythrocytes in normo- and hypokalaemic rats with or without chronic (1 month) lidoplazine treatment. Total body weight, heart weight, dry weight/wet weight ratios and extracellular space were also determined. (2) Radioactive K influx in the heart was measured in acute in vitro experiments with or without lidoplazine. It is demonstrated that while lidoflazine has no effect on the Na and K distribution of normokalaemic animals, it has rather a K-saving effect in conditions of severe loss of intra- and extracellular K-ions. In normal in vitro preparations the unidirectional K-influx is not affected by lidoflazine.