[Electrolyte and water content in the kidney cortical sections of rats exposed to catecholamine action]

Functional significance of alpha and beta-adrenoreceptors and also possible involvement of the cyclic 3', 5'-AMP in the catecholamines regulation mechanism of the sodium and potassium ions transport in renal cortex slices of rats were studied. Epinephrine did not change the intracellular sodium and water content, but increased that of potassium in the cells. Phentolamine-a blocking agent of the alpha-adrenoreceptors--did not change the reaction of slices to epinephrine, while inderal--a beta-adrenoblocking agent-prevented accumulation of potassium by the cells occurring under the action of epinephrine. Isopropyl-nore-pinephrine reproduced the action of epinephrine on the electrolytes composition of the renal tissue. It is suggested that accumulation of postassium by the cells of the rats' renal cortex slices is consequent upon excitation of the beta-adrenoreceptors.