Endocrinological aspects of potassium metabolism

After reviewing the anatomy and physiology of potassium the endocrine regulation of the "external" and "internal" potassium balance is summarized. As the plasma potassium concentration has an extraordinary role in the maintenance of the activity of the living cell membrane, the review focuses on endocrine factors inducing hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia. Modern research has revealed many renal and extrarenal influences and we have learned a lot concerning the development of plasma potassium changes. The renal and extrarenal mechanisms governing potassium homeostasis are regulated by precisely coordinated endocrine mediators. The most important hormones involved in the regulation of internal potassium balance are the catecholamines, insulin and aldosterone. Several drugs causing changes in the plasma potassium level exert their effect through the above mentioned hormones.