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Potassium-depletion alkalosis in the rat
1Department of Medicine, Bronx Veterans Administration Medical Center, New York 10468.
The American Journal of Physiology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Potassium depletion in rats causes alkalosis, with chloride depletion playing a minimal role. The kidneys adapt to acid loads, suggesting potassium depletion shifts the kidney's acid-base balance set-point.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Renal Physiology
- Acid-Base Balance
Background:
- Potassium depletion is linked to metabolic alkalosis.
- The role of concurrent chloride depletion in this condition is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of chloride depletion in potassium-depletion alkalosis in rats.
- To examine the relationship between potassium depletion, plasma bicarbonate, and renal acid excretion.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to selective potassium depletion (K-DEPL), potassium plus chloride depletion (KCl-DEPL), or selective chloride depletion (Cl-DEPL) via specialized diets.
- Acid loads were administered to alkalotic K-DEPL rats, with and without acetazolamide treatment.
Main Results:
- K-DEPL and KCl-DEPL induced alkalosis, while Cl-DEPL did not.
- Chloride administration did not correct alkalosis, but potassium administration did.
- Alkalotic K-DEPL rats maintained the ability to excrete acid loads, with reduced plasma bicarbonate triggering increased acid excretion.
Conclusions:
- Concomitant chloride depletion plays a minor role in dietary potassium-depletion alkalosis.
- Potassium depletion appears to alter the kidney's set-point for maintaining plasma bicarbonate levels.